Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy
Abstract
U.S. and outside assessments of the effort to stabilize Afghanistan are increasingly negative, to the point where U.S. commanders say they are not sure the United States and its allies are winning in Afghanistan. Outside studies emphasize a growing sense of insecurity in areas previously considered secure, increased numbers of suicide attacks, and growing divisions within the NATO alliance about total troop contributions and the relative share of combat. Both the official U.S. as well as outside assessments are increasingly pointing to Pakistan, and particularly the new Pakistani government, as failing to prevent Taliban and other militant infiltration from Pakistan. Although available U.S. forces are short, the Administration is conducting a review of U.S. strategy, adding U.S. troops to the Afghanistan theater, consolidating the command structure for U.S. and partner forces, expanding the Afghan National Army, and attempting to accelerate development activities to increase support for the Afghan government. The Administration also has increased direct U.S. action against Taliban concentrations inside Pakistan. The central government is relatively stable, but it is perceived as weak, corrupt, and unresponsive to core needs. A key component of U.S. strategy is to try to redress these deficiencies. Yet, Afghan officials point to progress in that the post-Taliban transition was completed with the convening of a parliament in December 2005, following parliamentary elections in September 2005. A new constitution was adopted in January 2004, and presidential elections were held on October 9, 2004. The parliament has become an arena for factions that have fought each other for nearly three decades to peacefully resolve differences, as well as a center of political pressure on President Hamid Karzai.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 29, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA488235
Entities
People
- Kenneth Katzman
Organizations
- Library of Congress