On the Edge of the Big Muddy: The Taliban Resurgence in Afghanistan
Abstract
This article attempts to delve into the morass that is developing for American and NATO forces in Afghanistan. Only through a proper understanding of the motivations and multiple identities that the Taliban lays claim to can their rapidly growing insurgency be defeated and peace reestablished. By examining the historical and tribal facets of the insurgency, the nature of the Taliban is laid bare. This understanding is absolutely critical if the United States and NATO hope to win the hearts and minds of the Afghan people. The purpose of this article is three-fold. First, it will present a general overview of the present situation in Afghanistan and then examine a number of critical dynamics for the emergent Taliban. Specifically, the article will explore the implications of adjacency to Pakistan of critical Afghan border provinces for the Taliban. It will then assess implications of the lack of reconstruction in these same provinces for the insurgency. The article also will address a series of other critical aspects of the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan to include the implications of collateral damage to both the staying power of the Karzai regime in Kabul as well as to the influence of the insurgents with the Afghan population. The article concludes with a discussion of policy options that directly flow from the foregoing analysis.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA484262
Entities
People
- Thomas H. Johnson
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School