USSOCOMResearch Topics2012Preface ................................................................................................... xiA. Priority Topics ................................................................................... 1B. Combating Terrorist Networks (CbTNs) ............................................. 9 C. Irregular Warfare Strategy and Operations ..................................... 17D. Interagency Operations ................................................................... 23 E. Regional and Cultural Studies .......................................................... 29F. USSOCOM and SOF Issues ..................................................... 35 G. Miscellaneous ................................................................................. 41 H. Additional Topics and Their Sponsors ............................................. 49I. Topics Retained from Previous Years ................................................. 57