Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy
Abstract
Afghanistan's political transition was completed with the convening of a parliament in December 2005, but in 2006 insurgent threats to Afghanistan's government escalated to the point that some experts were questioning the success of U.S. stabilization efforts. On the political front, a new constitution was adopted in January 2004, successful presidential elections were held on October 9, 2004, and parliamentary elections took place on September 18, 2005. The parliament has become an arena for factions that have fought each other for nearly three decades to debate and peacefully resolve differences. Afghan citizens, particularly women, are enjoying new personal freedoms that were forbidden under the Taliban. But in 2006, Taliban fighters began conducting large-scale attacks on coalition and Afghan security forces in several southern provinces, possibly spurred by people's frustration with slow reconstruction, official corruption, and the failure to extend Afghan government authority into rural areas. In addition, narcotics trafficking is resisting countermeasures, and independent militias remain throughout the country, although many have been disarmed. U.S. and partner stabilization measures focus on strengthening the central government and its security forces and on promoting reconstruction while combating the renewed insurgent challenge. The United States and other countries are building an Afghan National Army, deploying a NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), and running regional enclaves to secure reconstruction. Approximately 21,000 U.S. troops remain in Afghanistan to help combat the insurgency, of which all but 8,000 are now under NATO/ISAF command. To build security institutions and assist reconstruction, the United States gave Afghanistan $4.35 billion in FY2005, including security forces funding. Another $3 billion was provided in FY2006, and FY2007 appropriations add another $2.6 billion, including security forces funding.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 11, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA461380
Entities
People
- Kenneth Katzman
Organizations
- Library of Congress