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About this quote

What does it mean?
Chomsky compares US/UK troop withdrawals to other occupiers, noting they leave only when locals enforce obedience.
In plain terms
Troops leave when local rulers can keep order for the occupier.
What can you take from it?
Occupiers stay until control is secure.

Where it applies

  • military strategy
  • post-conflict

Putting it to work

  • analyzing withdrawals
  • questioning motives

Questions to consider

  • Why do occupiers leave?
  • How is order maintained?

Another view

It treats all occupation as permanent domination.

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