Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy
Abstract
Following two high-level policy reviews and the appointment of a new overall U.S. commander in Afghanistan in 2009, the Obama Administration says it is pursuing a fully resourced, integrated military-civilian strategy that will pave the way for a gradual transition to Afghan security leadership beginning in July 2011. The policy is intended to address what the Obama Administration considered to be a security environment that was deteriorating despite a gradual increase in U.S. forces there during 2006-2008. Some of the deterioration has been attributed to Afghan disillusionment with corruption in the government of Afghan President Hamid Karzai, and the relative safe haven in parts of Pakistan enjoyed by Afghan militants. Each of the two high-level policy reviews in 2009 resulted in a decision to add combat troops, with the intent of creating the conditions to expand Afghan governance and economic development, rather than on hunting and defeating insurgents. A total of 51,000 additional U.S. forces were authorized by the two reviews-21,000 in March 2009 and another 30,000 in December 2009. Each review also resulted in force increases by U.S. partners in Afghanistan.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 04, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA520756
Entities
People
- Kenneth Katzman
Organizations
- Library of Congress