Security Force Assistance in Afghanistan Identifying Lessons for Future Efforts
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Load more
Recommended publications
-
Conflict in Afghanistan I
Conflict in Afghanistan I 92 Number 880 December 2010 Volume Volume 92 Number 880 December 2010 Volume 92 Number 880 December 2010 Part 1: Socio-political and humanitarian environment Interview with Dr Sima Samar Chairperson of the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission Afghanistan: an historical and geographical appraisal William Maley Dynamic interplay between religion and armed conflict in Afghanistan Ken Guest Transnational Islamic networks Imtiaz Gul Impunity and insurgency: a deadly combination in Afghanistan Norah Niland The right to counsel as a safeguard of justice in Afghanistan: the contribution of the International Legal Foundation Jennifer Smith, Natalie Rea, and Shabir Ahmad Kamawal State-building in Afghanistan: a case showing the limits? Lucy Morgan Edwards The future of Afghanistan: an Afghan responsibility Conflict I in Afghanistan Taiba Rahim Humanitarian debate: Law, policy, action www.icrc.org/eng/review Conflict in Cambridge Journals Online For further information about this journal please go to the journal web site at: ISSN 1816-3831 http://www.journals.cambridge.org/irc Afghanistan I Editorial Team Editor-in-Chief: Vincent Bernard The Review is printed in English and is Editorial assistant: Michael Siegrist published four times a year, in March, Publication assistant: June, September and December. Claire Franc Abbas Annual selections of articles are also International Review of the Red Cross published on a regional level in Arabic, Aim and scope 19, Avenue de la Paix Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish. The International Review of the Red Cross is a periodical CH - 1202 Geneva, Switzerland published by the ICRC. Its aim is to promote reflection on t +41 22 734 60 01 Published in association with humanitarian law, policy and action in armed conflict and f +41 22 733 20 57 Cambridge University Press. -
Which Law Applies to the Afghan Conflict?
WHICH LAW APPLIES TO THE AFGHAN CONFLICT? By W. Michael Reisman and James Silk* Soviet armed forces have been directly engaged in combat in Afghanistan for more than 8 years.1 The level of international protest, sanctions and media coverage diminished after the initial outcry over the large-scale So- viet intervention in December 1979. With the conclusion in many diplo- matic and professional quarters that the Soviet presence in Afghanistan would be of long duration, the focus of international disapproval shifted from the question whether the Soviet presence in Afghanistan was lawful or not to whether Soviet conduct in Afghanistan was lawful or not: fromjus ad bellum to jus in bello. Access to Afghanistan has been extremely limited, but various individ- uals, commissions and credible international organizations have reported extensive abuses of human rights by Soviet forces there; most of the reports are based largely on refugee testimony.2 While the practices of the Soviet occupation and campaign have emerged with increasing clarity, the ques- tion of which law these practices are to be tested against is still controversial. * W. Michael Reisman is Wesley Newcomb Hohfeld Professor of Jurisprudence, Yale Law School. James Silk expects to receive aJ.D. from Yale University in 1989. The authors gratefully acknowledge the comments and criticism of colleagues on the Board of Editors and of several scholars in Europe. The authors are, of course, solely responsible for the contents. I By the time this article is published, it is possible that the Soviet Union will, at least, have begun to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan. -
12 Buckley Building the Police
Joanna Buckley Building the Police through the Focused District Development Programme It was not until 2006 that the international community the Kabul Police Academy. However, there was fully recognised the importance of an effective police growing frustration, particularly from the US, that force for tackling the growing insurgency in these efforts were too limited and too slow. Afghanistan or became aware of the scale of the The Focused District Development (FDD) programme problems faced by the institution. Following the was designed to be the biggest police reform international intervention in 2001, comparatively little programme in Afghanistan, operating nationwide. The effort was expended in building the capacity of the initial budget for the financial year 2007 was Afghan National Police (ANP) or the ministry of estimated at US$2.5 billion.2 interior (MoI), the ministry responsible for the ANP. As with other state sectors, the ANP was quickly co-opted by self-interested factions. The ANP soon gained a 1. THE PROGRAMME reputation as a coercive and corrupt force, composed of poorly trained and predominantly illiterate 1 The FDD programme, which was launched in policemen. November 2007, was designed to train and build the From 2002 to 2007, Germany had overall capacity of the Afghan Uniformed Police (AUP) – one responsibility for the coordination of the international branch of the ANP – at the district level. community’s support to the ANP as the ‘lead nation’ The goals of the FDD included enhancing the capacity or ‘key partner’ for the police. In 2007, the German of the AUP, building linkages between the AUP and mission was subsumed within the newly formed the local prosecutor’s office, and strengthening ties European Union Police Mission in Afghanistan between the district-level police forces and ANP (EUPOL). -
US Withdrawal: Afghanistan and the “Disposability Dilemma”
Report US Withdrawal: Afghanistan and the “Disposability Dilemma” Dr. Fatima Al-Smadi * 29 January 2014 Al Jazeera Center for Studies Tel: +974-44663454 [email protected] http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/ [AlJazeera] Abstract Field work in Kabul by the author is the basis for this report examining attitudes of Afghan parties toward American withdrawal and the proposed security pact with the US which has raised considerable controversy in the country. The findings indicate although the Afghan army is in control, military experts believe its ability to confront the Taliban will disappear soon after the withdrawal of international forces. The stability of Afghanistan depends on many factors, foremost of which is building up the army and security institutions, tasks which should be accomplished in the next few years. In the midst of this are demands that any relationship with the US be based on mutual exchange of interests rather than subordination or dependence. This report is the second in a series from the author’s field work in the country. Introduction The most recent National Intelligence Estimate report predicts Afghanistan will “likely descend into chaos quickly if Washington and Kabul don’t sign a security pact that would keep an international military contingent there beyond 2014.” (1) The author observed clear political polarization and fragility of the situation during her field work in the country late 2013, mere months before the scheduled US pull-out. This report examines attitudes and opinions of Afghan parties toward American withdrawal and the security pact as well as the future of Afghanistan based on interviews by the author with a 2 number of officials and political actors in Kabul. -
How the Afghanistan Conflict Might Evolve After 2014
Tim Foxley, GPS (PACS) Master’s Thesis: The Afghanistan Conflict After 2014 Old Soviet fort, Faryab province. Tim Foxley, July ‘08 Revolutionary Outcomes? How the Afghanistan conflict might evolve after 2014 Tim Foxley Course: PACS 20131-GP230 Student Number AB7801 August 2013 1 Tim Foxley, GPS (PACS) Master’s Thesis: The Afghanistan Conflict After 2014 Abstract Afghanistan’s complex conflict shows little sign of abating. This paper looks at the nature of the conflict and factors that might influence its post-2014 direction. It treats Afghanistan as a qualitative intrinsic case study and positions itself in the middle of historical context, civil war theory and the post-2001 political and military situation. Although disagreements within broader civil war theory make analysis of Afghanistan challenging (how to address complex conflicts and concepts of stalemate might benefit from further exploration), Charles Tilly’s work provides a fresh perspective and a flexible platform from which to view the conflict. The paper identifies areas analytically “less-travelled”: the idea that a military stalemate might be a long-term result after 2014 and that other political/military factions might also get drawn in to contest control of the state. It finds that a struggle for army loyalty is plausible and could become a further danger to the stability of the country. The international community and the Afghan population could perhaps give thought to three issues: the implications of the term “civil war”, how to consider and address the notion of stalemate and, finally, that the Taliban might not be the only group contesting state control. -
Agreement on Provisional Arrangements in Afghanistan Pending the Re-Establishment of Permanent Government Institutions
AGREEMENT ON PROVISIONAL ARRANGEMENTS IN AFGHANISTAN PENDING THE RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF PERMANENT GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS The participants in the UN Talks on Afghanistan, In the presence of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan, Determined to end the tragic conflict in Afghanistan and promote national reconciliation, lasting peace, stability and respect for human rights in the country, Reaffirming the independence, national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan, Acknowledging the right of the people of Afghanistan to freely determine their own political future in accordance with the principles of Islam, democracy, pluralism and social justice, Expressing their appreciation to the Afghan mujahidin who, over the years, have defended the independence, territorial integrity and national unity of the country and have played a major role in the struggle against terrorism and oppression, and whose sacrifice has now made them both heroes of jihad and champions of peace, stability and reconstruction of their beloved homeland, Afghanistan, Aware that the unstable situation in Afghanistan requires the implementation of emergency interim arrangements and expressing their deep appreciation to His Excellency Professor Burhanuddin Rabbani for his readiness to transfer power to an interim authority which is to be established pursuant to this agreement, Recognizing the need to ensure broad representation in these interim arrangements of all segments of the Afghan population, including groups that have not been -
Great Game to 9/11
Air Force Engaging the World Great Game to 9/11 A Concise History of Afghanistan’s International Relations Michael R. Rouland COVER Aerial view of a village in Farah Province, Afghanistan. Photo (2009) by MSst. Tracy L. DeMarco, USAF. Department of Defense. Great Game to 9/11 A Concise History of Afghanistan’s International Relations Michael R. Rouland Washington, D.C. 2014 ENGAGING THE WORLD The ENGAGING THE WORLD series focuses on U.S. involvement around the globe, primarily in the post-Cold War period. It includes peacekeeping and humanitarian missions as well as Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom—all missions in which the U.S. Air Force has been integrally involved. It will also document developments within the Air Force and the Department of Defense. GREAT GAME TO 9/11 GREAT GAME TO 9/11 was initially begun as an introduction for a larger work on U.S./coalition involvement in Afghanistan. It provides essential information for an understanding of how this isolated country has, over centuries, become a battleground for world powers. Although an overview, this study draws on primary- source material to present a detailed examination of U.S.-Afghan relations prior to Operation Enduring Freedom. Opinions, conclusions, and recommendations expressed or implied within are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. government. Cleared for public release. Contents INTRODUCTION The Razor’s Edge 1 ONE Origins of the Afghan State, the Great Game, and Afghan Nationalism 5 TWO Stasis and Modernization 15 THREE Early Relations with the United States 27 FOUR Afghanistan’s Soviet Shift and the U.S. -
What Are the Four Scenarios for the New Afghan Government Under Taliban? Publish Date: 01/09/2021
Artical Name : Four Scenarios Artical Subject : What are the Four Scenarios for the New Afghan Government Under Taliban? Publish Date: 01/09/2021 Auther Name: Future for Advanced Research and Studies Subject : After the Taliban took over the Afghan capital of Kabul on August 15, 2021, and former president Ashraf Ghani fled the country, Hamid Karzai -who led the first Afghan government after the Taliban was ousted in 2001 and served as president until 2014- announced that he was forming a three-person ³coordination council´to secure a peaceful transition of power. The other two members of the council are Abdullah Abdullah, the former vice president and head of the government¶s peace delegation, and Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, the most notorious warlord who bombed Kabul during the Afghan civil war, which lasted from 1992 to 1996. Conceptual Outline of the Taliban¶s Rule Information derived from statements made by former officials affiliated with the Taliban is being circulated now about the form of the militant group¶s new government, the outline of which can be presented as follows: <!--[if !supportLists]-->1- Establishing an Islamic Emirate:The Taliban¶s reiteration that it is planning to establish an Islamic emirate is not new and is only natural, given that the group insisted on this demand during negotiations in Qatar with the former Afghan government. Despite this, today¶s Taliban seeks to emphasize that it is different from the Taliban that ruled Afghanistan two decades ago. It says it is now more open to, and seeks international recognition. That is why it is expected to present a model of a moderate Islamic emirate. -
Lead Inspector General for Operation Freedom's Sentinel April 1, 2021
OFS REPORT TO CONGRESS FRONT MATTER OPERATION FREEDOM’S SENTINEL LEAD INSPECTOR GENERAL REPORT TO THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS APRIL 1, 2021–JUNE 30, 2021 FRONT MATTER ABOUT THIS REPORT A 2013 amendment to the Inspector General Act established the Lead Inspector General (Lead IG) framework for oversight of overseas contingency operations and requires that the Lead IG submit quarterly reports to Congress on each active operation. The Chair of the Council of Inspectors General for Integrity and Efficiency designated the DoD Inspector General (IG) as the Lead IG for Operation Freedom’s Sentinel (OFS). The DoS IG is the Associate IG for the operation. The USAID IG participates in oversight of the operation. The Offices of Inspector General (OIG) of the DoD, the DoS, and USAID are referred to in this report as the Lead IG agencies. Other partner agencies also contribute to oversight of OFS. The Lead IG agencies collectively carry out the Lead IG statutory responsibilities to: • Develop a joint strategic plan to conduct comprehensive oversight of the operation. • Ensure independent and effective oversight of programs and operations of the U.S. Government in support of the operation through either joint or individual audits, inspections, investigations, and evaluations. • Report quarterly to Congress and the public on the operation and activities of the Lead IG agencies. METHODOLOGY To produce this quarterly report, the Lead IG agencies submit requests for information to the DoD, the DoS, USAID, and other Federal agencies about OFS and related programs. The Lead IG agencies also gather data and information from other sources, including official documents, congressional testimony, policy research organizations, press conferences, think tanks, and media reports. -
POLITICAL UPDATE Abdul Wardak and Bismillah Khan Mohammadi
Mara Tchalakov POLITICAL UPDATE August 16, 2012 ABDUL WARDAK AND BISMILLAH KHAN MOHAMMADI: UNPACKING AFGHANISTAN’S MINISTERIAL SHAKE-UP n an unprecedented single session of Parliament on August 4th, the Lower House dismissed the Afghan Idefense and interior ministers, Abdul Rahim Wardak and Bismillah Khan Mohammadi, following successive no-confidence votes. After weeks of alleged rocket attacks by Pakistani security forces in the border provinces, Parliament summoned the two ministers to appear before the assembly and submit to questioning over rising insecurity in the country. The heated session that resulted in their impeachment spanned the members’ concerns over rocket attacks from across the Durand Line, allegations of corruption and nepotism within the Defense and Interior Ministries, and targeted assassinations of high-profile figures across the country. The Presidential Palace was quick to announce in the wake again be able to curry favor with key allies across all major of Parliament’s decision that the two ministers would be ethnic camps and thereby encourage their dependence on asked to remain in an acting capacity until their successor(s) him. Rumors of behind-the-scenes Palace lobbying for are named; former Defense Minister Wardak nonetheless the impeachments were making the rounds even before immediately resigned following his ouster. With transition the parliamentary session began.3 The characteristics that underway, the dismissal of two such vital Cabinet posts has made both ministers such valuable allies for the President— left the international community anxiously speculating the their clout, popularity with Western interlocutors, and, in move’s impact on stability and governance in the country. -
HANDBOOKHANDBOOK No
HANDBOOKHANDBOOK No. 08-46 AUGAUG 08 08 Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures Center for Army Lessons Learned (CALL) http://call.army.mil Combined Arms Center (CAC)l Ft. Leavenworth, KS U.S. UNCLASSIFIED REL NATO, GCTF, ISAF, MCFI, ABCA For Official Use Only Handling Instructions for Center for Army Lessons Learned (CALL) Products Center for Army Lessons Learned (CALL) authorizes official use of this CALL product for operational and institutional purposes that contribute to the overall success of U.S., coalition, and allied efforts. The information contained in this product reflects the actions of units in the field and may not necessarily be approved U.S. Army policy or doctrine. This product is designed for official use by U.S., coalition, and allied personnel and cannot be released to the public without the expressed written consent of CALL. This product has been furnished with the expressed understanding that it will be used for official defense-related purposes only and that it will be afforded the same degree of protection that the U.S. affords information marked “U.S. UNCLASSIFIED, For Official Use Only [FOUO]” in accordance with U.S. Army Regulation (AR) 380-5, section 5-2. Official military and civil service/government personnel, to include all coalition and allied partners may paraphrase; quote; or use sentences, phrases, and paragraphs for integration into official products or research. However, integration of CALL “U.S. UNCLASSIFIED, For Official Use Only [FOUO]” information into official products or research renders them FOUO, and they must be maintained and controlled within official channels and cannot be released to the public without the expressed written consent of CALL. -
Taliban in Kabul...President Flees
baseball Page 15 soccer THE FIRST ENGLISH LANGUAGE DAILY IN FREE KUWAIT Page 16 Established in 1977 / www.arabtimesonline.com MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021 / MUHARRAM 8, 1443 AH emergency number 112 NO. 17764 16 PAGES 150 FILS Government backs KD 1,000 for non-degreed 60s+ Work at ‘full’ KUWAIT CITY, Aug Taliban in Kabul ... President flees 15, (Agencies): The Council of Ministers strongly supports com- ing up with a humani- tarian solution for the 60-year-old and above expatriates who are non-graduates to help them renew their resi- dence permits, reports Al-Qabas daily quoting government sources. The daily quoting the same sources said KD 1,000 is ex- pected to be approved instead of the KD 2,000 provided the 1,000 dinars proposed by the government includes what the Council of Ministers called the ‘state fee’, which is expected not to exceed 500 dinars, and the same or less value for health insurance policy that will cover the cost of all treat- ments in private hospitals and medical centers. The health cover is to be provided by an insurance company in Kuwait. The sources said the solution supported by the Council of Min- isters is expected to see the light of day in the next few days. The solution was voted on by the 50 percent of the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) Board of Directors. The sources indicated the pro- posal for 500 dinars cost of in- surance policy comes due to the high insurance policies for the age groups of sixty and above, A US Chinook helicopter flies over the city of Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug 15.