Total Destruction of the Tamil Tigers: The Rare Victory of Sri Lanka’s Long War - Softcover

Moorcraft, Paul

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1781593043 ISBN 13: 9781781593042

Publisher: Pen and Sword Military, 2014

Synopsis

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.

About this title

About the Author

Professor Paul Moorcraft has frontline experience reporting on over 20 years, from A-Z, to Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, as a correspondent for print, radio and TV for nearly 40 years. He is currently Visiting Professor at Cardiff University and Director of the Centre for Foreign Policy Analysis, London.

Review

"Charts recap organizational structures of the LTTE and of Sri Lanka's chief of national intelligence. A handy list recaps acronyms and abbreviations... Four pages of maps geographically and chronologically chart the conflict. And 24 pages of B&W photographs visually spice the stew. Student of counterinsurgency campaigns? Add this splendid study to your library. I loved it. Rabidly recommended!" (Cybermodeler)

An informative and detailed account of how the Sri Lankan government’s forces succeeded
in 2009 in defeating the Tamil Tiger insurgency after 26 years of civil war. The author’s account
is based on extensive research in Sri Lanka, where he interviewed the country’s leading
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. (Perspectives on Terrorism)

Edition details

• Publisher: Pen and Sword Military
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1781593043
• ISBN 13: 9781781593042
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 208