Can Muslim Insurgencies ever be put down permanently?

[Seamus Fermanagh]

For this kind of issue, binary forced choice questions suck.

You present me with one option, "put down," and its negation. Thanks a whole hill of beans.

Question construction forces a "no" answer since your phrasing implies complete removal of such an insurgency. Even historically successful counter-insurgency efforts have not been that "sweeping."


How about:

Yes, such insurgencies can be defeated.

Yes, such insurgencies can be marginalized/minimized if not completely defeated.

Yes, such insurgencies can be marginalized/minimized if not completely defeated, but most of the success must be non-military if it is to be lasting.

No, it is impossible to defeat an idea save by deploying a better idea. Military action in such a context is meaningless waste.

No, such insurgencies must be accomodated/suborned because defeat is impossible.

No, such insurgencies can only wither away from lack of interest, nothing can actually defeat them.


You can add GAH for the poll spoofers if you wish.