Low Intensity Operations: Subversion, Insurgency and Peacekeeping

Very interesting read. I'd recommend taking a look at Bloody Sunday to get a perspective of the theory in action. This will give you a better context to understand some of the underlying flaws with his theory, at least in part. I must admit there is a great deal of value with a large section of his theory when you remove the win at all costs aspect. Or the sun-tzu - to defeat your enemies you must understand and become your enemy, paraphrased.

I find it rather amazing that I, in early 2006, am the first to review this classic in asymmetric warfare. As current events in Iraq and elsewhere show, the Americans are not as adept as their former colonial masters in using stealth and deception to achieve military victory. Kitson, as a serving officer of the Crown, witnessed Britain's largely successful counter insurgency moves in places as diverse as Kenya, Cyprus and the North of Ireland and he formalized much of the approach militarily dominant powers like Britain and Israel should take to their militarily weaker opponents. He stresses the dirty tricks department: psychological warfare, fifth columns, double agents and anything that weakens or demoralizes the enemy or cuts off their logistics. Kitson was an officer in Britain;s shadowy Special Air Services (SAS) who have been credited, rightly or wrongly, with all kinds of undercover military actions, some brave, other nefarious. This book is definitely worth a read and worth buying for anyone interested in the historical evolution of asymmetrical warfare, where Britain has an impressive record.

Erm...of course I am joking, as I have on idea whether this is on the reading list for Spy School. Although, I do believe it should be on that list along with at least the following: 'Spies, lies and whistleblowers' Annie Machon/David M Shayler, 'Moscow Sleepers' Stella Rimington, 'Box 88' Charles Cumming, The Organisation David M Shayler, 'The Complete Works of Shakespeare' Willy Shakespeare, The Holy Bible - King James Version along with a variety of other sacred texts.

The classic of its kind, a good read, could do with updating

Great !

Written by the man who honed Britain's torture campaign and brought it to the United Kingdom. It is densely written, and therefore a little difficult to read, but an important insight into the British military way of thinking.