Recommendations for Success in Afghanistan
Abstract
The United States will soon enter the 18th year of combat operations in Afghanistan. During that time, multiple approaches to stabilize the country have been tried, including support to regional security initiatives, nation-building, counterinsurgency, counter narcotics, counterterrorism, and train and equip. The constellation of anti-government elements known collectively as the Taliban continues to refuse reconciliation or a negotiated peace under the existing Afghan constitution. There are few, if any, silver bullets, but to optimize conditions for success, the United States should continue to prioritize its efforts against the four major challenges in Afghanistan and engage the recommended solutions herein for each: 1.The Pakistan problemreducing the Taliban cross-border sanctuary; 2.Decreasing opium profits and Taliban access to them; 3.Improving and retaining Afghanistans security forces and decimating Taliban cadres; and, 4.Widening the spectrum of options for reconciliation with the Taliban.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1077681
Entities
People
- M. C. Mason