The Role of Simultaneous Counternarcotics and Counterterrorism Operations in the Afghan Coin Model
Abstract
Afghanistan is a country that has suffered decades of civil war. It is also heavily affected by the external policies of its neighbors and is currently facing one of the deadliest insurgencies active in the world today. It also has the highest opium production record in the world. In his research, the author has attempted to highlight the importance of simultaneous counterterrorism and counternarcotics operations in degrading external support of the insurgency, and ultimately bringing the insurgents to the negotiating table. The author has tried to examine the validity of this theory by examining the Colombian COIN model, which was developed through Plan Colombia and the security policies of Alvaro Uribe to target terrorists and narco-traffickers simultaneously. Based on the current security conditions, involvement of the police in the current security struggle, and the author's own experience, he has attempted to examine the role of the General Directorate of Special Police Units (GDPSU), an elite police unit that has been successful in conducting simultaneous counterterrorism (CT) and counternarcotics (CN) operations across Afghanistan. Since the country's other elite assets, such as the Army Commando Corps and tactical units of the National Directorate of Security, are also involved in the process, the author recommends a clear distinction of roles and responsibilities. He further recommends that the GDSPU have the lead in Afghan COIN effort/operations and that the NDS and the Afghan National Army provide intelligence and military support, respectively.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 22, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA612149
Entities
People
- Ghulam M. Wardak
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College