Western doctrine is developing into one where military forces maintain a long-term presence in stabilisation operations. This trend would seem to be counter to pressure from society to reduce the visibility of the military. The antibody doctrine, developed by US military leaders be­tween 2003 and 2006, contributed to the progressive deterioration of security conditions in Iraq and moreover begs the question as to whether Western military forces are seen as occupiers or liberators. Far from being entrenched, the impression can be quickly changed, as long as the conditions of such change are well thought out.