Special operations forces (SOF) as the “silver bullet”

This chapter discusses the strategic helplessness of key civilian and military decision makers in the face of global jihadism has led to an emphasis on using Special Operations Forces (SOF) as a suitable, often preferred, response. It examines the deployment and use of SOF necessitates forms of civilian control and oversight differing from those applied to conventional forces. The chapter discusses the distinct political and ethical dilemmas posed by the use of SOF – especially targeted killings – the appropriate control of SOF must include both institutional and extra-institutional mechanisms. As the major effort against jihadist terrorism focuses on the use of SOF, who are not subject to sufficient civilian control, civilian oversight of militarism in general is naturally weakened. There are two categories of dilemmas regarding SOF's kinetic activities. The first, the ethical category, includes moral and legal problems. The second is strategic–operative.