France Melting
StrategyUnit outlines the melting French map:
These Zones Urbaines Sensibes (Sensitive Urban Zones) sound very much like “Gap Societies” that exist outside the fabric of French society, economy and law, while being physically inside France. Just as the United States and other states must take a lead in helping closing the Gap States where they remain, governments must act to close the gaps (connect “Gap Societies”) that exist within their states. This is the best path to succeed in the Long War.
States trying to incentivize loyalty is one approach, the other is building walls around these areas and attempting to shut out the bruised areas of the fruit. We are and will continue to see both approaches.
Iraqi Oil Targeted
CNN –
Insurgents Monday targeted key oil sites in Iraq, firing mortar rounds into an oil distribution center in northern Iraq and bombing a pipeline in southern Baghdad, Iraqi officials said.
The attack on the oil distribution center triggered a massive fire that halted the flow of crude oil to Iraq’s largest refinery, a Kirkuk police official said.
Black Friday Purchase
Bought an Antec Notebook Cooler last Friday (my only purchase, although the family now has an Optoma DLP projector with a 92” Screen) and have been using it for the last couple days. This thing is great. It really cuts down on the massive amounts of heat my Powerbook puts out (albeit less so on my lap) and for 10 bucks is one of those little purchases that really makes a big difference.
On Building Complex Systems
Applicable to Enterra:
Building advanced technology, competitive systems is complicated. As shown in the requirements/technology figure, the degree of complexity increases as the requirements are less known and the technology is less certain.
Via this paper (PDF).
Internet Enabled Iraqis
WaPo – As a result of the Sadr City attacks –
Since those attacks, quasi-armies of residents in mixed and majority-Sunni Arab neighborhoods have formed to protect their streets. Sunni Web sites are offering advice on how to kill Shiite militiamen. College students and executives pace at their homes, clutching rifles and handguns around the clock. Iraqis are posting pleas on Internet message boards to buy extra ammunition and weapons.