Paul L. Moorcraft

In 2009 the Sri Lankan government forces literally eradicated the Tamil Tiger insurgency after 26 years of civil war. This was the first time that a government had defeated an indigenous insurgency by force of arms. It was as if the British army killed thousands of IRA cadres to end the war in Northern Ireland. The story of this war is fascinating in itself, besides the international repercussions for 'terrorism' and insurgency worldwide. Many countries involved themselves in the war – to arm the combatants (China, Pakistan, India, North Korea) or to bring peace (US, France, UK, Norway). While researching this work Professor Moorcraft was given unprecedented access to Sri Lankan politicians (including the President and his brother, the Defence Permanent Secretary), senior generals, intelligence chiefs, civil servants, UN officials, foreign diplomats and NGOs. He also interviewed the surviving leader of the Tamil Tigers. His conclusions and findings will be controversial. He reveals how the media and foreign mediators were frustrated by the authorities determined to stamp out Tamil Tiger resistance by whatever means. Their methods, which have led to accusations of war crimes, were brutally effective but are likely to remain highly contentions for years to come.

The Rare Victory of Sri Lanka's Long War

Total Destruction of the Tamil Tigers

Peter McLaughlin

The vicious conflict (1964-79) that brought Robert Mugabe to power in Zimbabwe Expert coverage of the war, its historical context, and its aftermath Descriptions of guerrilla warfare, counterinsurgency operations, and actions by units like Grey's Scouts Amid the colonial upheaval of the 1960s, Britain urged its colony in Southern Rhodesia (modern-day Zimbabwe) to grant its black residents a greater role in governing the territory. The white-minority government refused and soon declared its independence, a move bitterly opposed by the black majority. The result was the Rhodesian Bush War, which pitted the government against black nationalist groups, one of which was led by Robert Mugabe. Marked by unspeakable atrocities, the war ended in favor of the nationalists.

A Military History

The Rhodesian War

The End of Rhodesia's Rebellion

A Short Thousand Years

Philip M. Taylor

As the literature on military-media relations grows, it is informed by antagonism either from journalists who report on wars or from ex-soldiers in their memoirs. Academics who attempt more judicious accounts rarely have any professional military or media experience. A working knowledge of the operational constraints of both professions underscores Shooting the Messenger. A veteran war correspondent and think tank director, Paul L. Moorcraft has served in the British Ministry of Defence, while historian-by-training Philip M. Taylor is a professor of international communications who has lectured widely to the U.S. military and at NATO institutions. Some of the topics they examine in this wide-ranging history of military-media relations are: – the interface between soldiers and civilian reporters covering conflicts – the sometimes grey area between reporters' right or need to know and the operational security constraints imposed by the military – the military's manipulation of journalists who accept it as a trade-off for safer battlefield access – the resultant gap between images of war and their reality – the evolving nature of media technology and the difficulties—and opportunities—this poses to the military – journalistic performance in reporting conflict as an observer or a participant Moorcraft and Taylor provide a bridge over which each side can pass and a path to mutual understanding.

The Political Impact of War Reporting

Shooting the Messenger

In 1329, a beautiful Surrey woman is walled up alive in the village church of Shere. The Anchoress' story is taken up late in this century by deranged Catholic priest Father Michael Duval. Gradually, two separate sagas unfold: the world of the Middle Ages centered on Christine's entombment, and the 1967 abduction of a young woman from Guildford. In a series of exotic twists, the medieval world of knights, debauchery, peasant uprisings and civil war merges into a modern hunt for a serial killer. The tragedy of the anchoress is based upon historical facts, yet it is also an exploration of the most dramatic themes of today: sexual freedom, and the power of belief, spiritual bondage and the individual search for self-fulfillment. Above all, this is a gripping adventure story of a love so obsessive that it spans more than 600 years.

Anchoress of Shere

Paul Moorcraft has covered most of the wars of the last quarter of the 20th century on four continents. An experienced war correspondent, he shows here the other - often lighter - side of the major conflicts of our time, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe. More interested in flying buttresses than flying bullets, the dangers are underplayed as the writer is constantly distracted by bizarre characters, strange places, odd traditions, disturbing food and his constant habit of being sucked into eccentric debate with the locals.

Travels with an Occasional War Correspondent

Guns and Poses

A detailed study of the military and political nexus throughout southern Africa and a consideration of whether the war in South Africa will lead to revolution. Moorcraft, a journalist and film-maker who spent eleven years in the area, analyzes the forces at work and projects various scenarios for the future of the country. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Paul L. Moorcraft

About

Books

Join the club