How Afghanistan Can Assume Ownership for the Ongoing Conflict
Abstract
In view of United States global commitments and larger Global War on Terror (GWOT) strategy, the ultimate security goal in Afghanistan must be for the Afghans to assume ownership of the counterinsurgency struggle. The United States and coalition partners are fighting wars in Afghanistan and Iraq to achieve several national security goals; 1) champion human dignity, 2) strengthen alliances to defeat global terrorism and prevent future attacks against the United States and its friends, and 3) ignite a new era of global economic growth through free markets and free trade. The Taliban, al Qaeda, and other terrorist and insurgent groups, are working hard to push the West out of the region in pursuit of establishing a larger caliphate. A persistent United States challenge is helping the Afghans help themselves and take on a larger role in the counterinsurgency struggle. This paper will outline two strategies vital to enhancing Afghanistan s ability to play a larger role in the ongoing GWOT. The two strategies are: to provide security to local communities and extending economic and political development to the lowest level possible. Additionally, this paper will explain why it is vitally important for the United States to make these strategies a reality.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 10, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA481370
Entities
People
- John M. Horn Sr.
Organizations
- United States Army War College