Establishing Security and Stability in Afghanistan
Abstract
As the combat phase of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan draws to a close, post- conflict reconstruction requires security to allow the development of national military and police forces, a stable government, a functioning judiciary system, and economic progress. This paper first reviews internal and external threats for post-Taliban Afghanistan. Second, the four pillars of post-conflict reconstruction---governance and participation, justice and reconciliation, social and economic well-being, and security---must be appropriately synchronized so as to minimize "spoilers" while building Afghan governmental institutions. While the four-pillar strategy provides a balanced approach to nation-building, security is paramount in establishing the stable environment for long-term peace. Finally, U.S. policy must facilitate the employment of security forces, especially U.S. forces, in support of objectives for sustainable peace. The current policy places U.S. strategic objectives at risk because of the policy's over-reliance on the small but growing Afghan National Army. A security gap exists that severely limits advancement of post- conflict reconstruction's pillars. Afghanistan can still slip back into anarchy and civil war and thus resume its former role as a destabilizing influence in Central and South Asia. Adequate security is critical to Afghanistan's transition to sustainable peace.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 07, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA415725
Entities
People
- Robert D. Grymes
Organizations
- United States Army War College