Anatomy of a successful COIN operation: OEF-Philippines and indirect approach.(Operation Enduring Freedom, counterinsurgency)

Freedom, by its nature, must be chosen and defended by its citizens.

--President George W. Bush

THE TERRORIST ATTACKS of 9/11 have ushered in a new era of counterinsurgency to deal with Al-Qaeda-linked insurgent and terrorist organizations. The U.S. military's initial success in Afghanistan, as impressive as it was, forced the enemy to adapt. To survive, Al-Qaeda has transformed itself into a flatter, more cellular organization that seeks to outsource much of its work. (1) Thus, insurgency has become an Al-Qaeda priority in terms of rhetoric, recruitment, and…