Responding to the new war

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0471780790?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwviolentkicom&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0471780790

'Drawing on scores of chilling examples from the ongoing insurgency in Iraq, Robb reveals how the technology that has enabled globalization also allows terrorists, criminals, and violent ideologues of every stripe to join forces against a far bigger and richer foe without revealing their identities, following orders, or even working toward the same ultimate goal. This new brand of open-source warfare enables insurgents to coordinate attacks, swarm on targets, and adapt rapidly to changes in their enemy's tactics, all at minimal cost and risk. And now, Robb shows, it is being exported around the world, from Pakistan to Nigeria to Mexico, creating a new class of insurgents he calls global guerrillas.
This evolutionary leap in the methods of warfare makes it possible for extremely small nonstate groups to fight states and possibly win on a regular basis. The use of systems disruption as a method of strategic warfare gives rise to a nightmare scenario in which any nation—including the United States—can be driven to bankruptcy by an enemy it can't compete with economically. We are staring at a future where defeat isn't experienced all at once but as an inevitable withering away of military, economic, and political power through wasting conflicts with minor foes.
How can we defend ourselves against this pernicious new menace? Brave New War presents a debate-changing argument that no one who cares about national security can afford to ignore: it is time, says Robb, to decentralize all of our systems, from energy and communications to security and markets. It is time for every citizen to take personal responsibility for some aspect of state security. It is time to make our systems, and ourselves, as flexible, adaptable, and resilient as the forces that are arrayed against us.'

I already figured this out for myself. I know, what a frickin' genius. Seriously though, my idea for combating 'instant jihad syndrome' and associated disorder is already on record here: http://westhuhal.blogspot.com/2007/01/changing-british-policing.html

Every borough, every district and every village needs a hefty police reserve, on call 24 hours a day, trained to expert levels in firearm use, licensed to carry a concealed weapon, trained in police and counterterrorism work. My original estimate was two million, but I think in light of the above arguments six million is more like it (1 in 10 of the population). Four million men, two million women. There would be costs associated with the training and arming, but nothing like the costs of replacing our most expensive bridges, public buildings, nuclear power stations etc. This Police reserve would not be expected to do any regular shifts, but would meet up regularly for top-up training.

I also recommend regularising gun ownership for all citizens with no criminal record. Children should receive instruction in safe and responsible gun use, and gun owners should be offered free training in effective firearm use in emergency situations. Effectively, the front lines are now us. If you see someone conducting some kind of sabotage or terrorist attack, there's no time to call in the SAS- I must act, you must act. The criminals and often the terrorists in Britain are already armed- its only the rest of us who present a nice fat soft target to them. As this guy points out, the war has changed shape and pattern. What are we going to do about it?