Afghanistan Quote by Gwynne Dyer
![“It doesn't matter what we think we are there [in Afghanistan] for; it matters what they think. They think we are invaders.” quote by Gwynne Dyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bb0/gwynne-dyer-29209_afghanistan_it-doesn-t-matter-what-we-think-we-are-t_264425.jpg)
“It doesn't matter what we think we are there [in Afghanistan] for; it matters what they think. They think we are invaders.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The War on Terror, 2002
Perception matters more than intention; local views shape legitimacy.
In simple terms: What others think matters more than our purpose.
Key Takeaway
Consider local perceptions in actions.
Themes
politics
perception
legitimacy
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
political
strategic
When to use this quote
- military interventions
- diplomacy
- public relations
- policy planning
Key Concepts
soft power
cultural awareness
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you influence local narratives?
- What actions show respect for local views?
A Different Perspective
Changing entrenched perceptions is difficult.
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![“But we are almost certainly going to miss our [global warming] deadline. We cannot get the 10 lost years back, and by the time a new global agreement to replace the Kyoto accord is negotiated and put into effect, there will probably not be enough time left to stop the warming short of the point…” quote by Gwynne Dyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e1e/gwynne-dyer-29209_accord_but-we-are-almost-certainly-going-to-mis_807382.jpg)
![“Never did anyone ever stay longer than ten years because the resistance grows fiercer as your presence grows longer [in Afghanistan]. I don't think we are going to be any exception. What made us exempt from history?” quote by Gwynne Dyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6e1/gwynne-dyer-29209_afghanistan_never-did-anyone-ever-stay-longer-than-t_1571027.jpg)
![“Thousands of Americans have given their lives in Afghanistan and Iraq upholding their oaths and defending this nation. Chelsea Manning broke her oath and made it more likely that others would join the ranks of her fallen comrades. Her prison sentence may end in a few months' [time], but her…” quote by John McCain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/788/john-mccain-465_afghanistan_thousands-of-americans-have-given-their_26162.jpg)