Assignment task: Identifying and Solving Problems; Prior to attempting this week's discussion, students are to read the learning material located in the weeks 4 & 5 content area of the classroom. Students are to post at least three problems encountered in either writing their rough draft and/or pertaining to appropriately citing their paper.
Thesis Statement: Language and cultural barriers have significantly hampered the effectiveness of US military operations in Afghanistan. These barriers not only limit operational efficiency and communication with local populations but also contribute to misunderstandings that could escalate conflict and undermine trust between US forces and Afghan communities.
1. Annotated Bibliography:
This article investigates the notion of cultural intelligence (CQ) and its use in peacekeeping operations, notably in Afghanistan. The authors contend that knowing and adapting to local cultures is crucial to the success of foreign missions. Yalçinkaya and Özer analyze cases from the Afghanistan conflict to demonstrate how cultural misconceptions have impeded peace efforts. They recommend measures to strengthen CQ among peacekeepers. This resource is useful for scholars exploring the relationship between culture and international relations, as it provides insights into the relevance of cultural competency in military and diplomatic engagements.