<b>Opinion: </b>Clear, Hold, Build—And Other Fairy Tales We Like to Tell Ourselves

<p dir="ltr">The Clear, Hold, Build strategy promises a simple solution: clear out the bad guys, hold the ground, and then build something better in its place. While this sounds straightforward, it quickly unravels when put into practice. The “clear” phase is often the easiest part, with dramatic operations that grab headlines, but it doesn’t solve the underlying issues. If the “hold” phase isn’t executed properly—keeping a lasting presence to maintain order—criminals simply move on to the next area, and the problem resurfaces elsewhere.</p><p dir="ltr">The real challenge lies in the “build” phase, which is far more difficult and costly than many anticipate. Rebuilding communities requires long-term investment in jobs, education, and mental health support, often relying on local charities and community groups. However, when funding dries up or priorities shift, these efforts stall. Without sustained effort, communities fall back into cycles of temporary relief followed by renewed crime, making the entire strategy feel like a never-ending hamster wheel. The result? A failure to create lasting change, as the root causes of crime remain unaddressed.</p>