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 top U.S. commanders say they are not sure the effort is "winning" and some partner commanders say the effort is being lost. U.S. and outside assessments emphasize a growing sense of insecurity in areas around Kabul previously considered secure, increased numbers of suicide attacks and civilian deaths, and divisions within the NATO alliance about total troop contributions and missions. 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 compel the Afghan government 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 formerly armed factions to peacefully resolve differences, as well as a center of political pressure on President Hamid Karzai. Presidential and provincial elections are to be held in mid-2009, with parliamentary and district elections to follow one year later.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 15, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA489235
Entities
People
- Kenneth Katzman
Organizations
- Library of Congress