NATO in Afghanistan: A Progress Report
Abstract
This paper discusses the ISAF effort in Afghanistan and its ability to sustain operations, more specifically; it examines the effects of national caveats on unity of effort and unity of command, command and control challenges, and the politics of burden sharing. Six years into the security and stability operations in Afghanistan, the command and control has transitioned from a United States-led Multi-National force to a NATO-led operation known as International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF). The composition of thirty-seven nations, whose governments approach both war and security & stability operations (SSO) in various manners, is testing the alliances' effectiveness in operations. The thirty-seven nations are the framework for five regions of the country, all working toward one goal, but constrained by multiple layers of headquarters, national caveats, physical distances, and bureaucracy of governmental interests in facilitating the development of a nation-state of Afghanistan. The goal of a stable and secure nation, a nation who itself has not had a functional government since 1979 to provide at least security and stability of its own country, is the challenge for NATO.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 25, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA479722
Entities
People
- Leah R. Sundquist
Organizations
- United States Army War College