Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy
Abstract
U.S. and outside assessments of the effort to stabilize Afghanistan are mixed and subject to debate; many note progress on reconstruction but some deterioration of security and only halting progress, if any, on expanding governance. A November 2007 Bush Administration review of U.S. efforts in Afghanistan reportedly concluded that overall progress was inadequate, and a number of efforts to augment the U.S. stabilization effort are underway or under further consideration. Part of the debate is over the degree to which the United States can no longer rely on additional NATO and other partner contributions but must instead add its own forces to the mission and elevate Afghanistan to a level of priority on par with the Iraq effort. The political transition was completed with the convening of a parliament in December 2005; 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 are enjoying personal freedoms forbidden by the Taliban, and women are participating in economic and political life.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 28, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA478798
Entities
People
- Kenneth Katzman
Organizations
- Library of Congress