Rules for the SysAdmin force
Monday, January 9, 2006 at 6:03PM ■"A Man Does Not Ask a Man About His Wife," the "Word for Word" compilation of quotes, New York Times, 8 January 2006, p. WK7.
Excerpts from the cultural-sensitivity reference cards passed out in the thousands to U.S. troops in Afghanistan:
"Do not walk in front of someone at prayer."
"Do not ask a Muslim if he is a Sunni or a Shiite."
"When offered a seat of honor, decline graciously and accept only when offered again."
"Do not argue, but strive for consensus. Majority rule is not the norm for solving issues or problems."
"Do not stare at women, touch them or try to shake a woman's hand (unless she extends her hand first)."
And my favorite: "Speak about your families. Afghans like to know you have them."
Again, it's brains PLUS stuff, not just stuff that will win battles and keep our troops more safe. Can't win without local intell and you can't get local intell if you piss people off.
Reader Comments