Counterinsurgency in Afghanistan
Abstract
In September of 2001 the United States was attacked from Afghanistan by a global terrorist network that is now headquartered in Pakistan. American attention is now being redirected toward this region. It is not a day too soon. For the first several years after the collapse of the Taliban regime the Bush Administration ignored Afghanistan almost entirely. In Pakistan, its focus was almost entirely on Al Qaeda, while it largely ignored the Pakistani regime's continuing ties to the extremist groups that were organizing to reclaim control of Afghanistan. In President Bush's second term this attitude began to change. For the past several years the United States has begun to put more resources into Afghanistan, and to pressure the government in Islamabad to confront the enemy within. But these efforts have remained what the military call an economy of force exercise. Although the Administration is still reviewing its Afghan policy, the broad outlines are apparent -- an increase in American troop strength, pressure on Karzai to crack down on corruption, the appointment of Richard Holbrooke as special envoy for both Afghanistan and Pakistan, and a recognition that stability in Afghanistan requires changes in Pakistan as well. There are several further steps the United States and its allies should consider. First, unify the NATO and American military command chain. Second, do the same with the civilian effort. Third, bolster the military and civilian staffs in Afghanistan. Fourth, institute a bottom up component to our counterinsurgency strategy to complement the top down approach we have followed to date. Fifth, pay more attention to Afghan insurgent activities in the Pakistani province of Baluchistan. Sixth, support the upcoming Afghan elections while remaining scrupulously neutral among the possible candidates. Seventh, intensify our engagement with Afghanistan's neighbors.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA494514
Entities
People
- James F. Dobbins
Organizations
- RAND Corporation