• Wednesday, January 28th, 2009
Concern that international forces in Afghanistan have enough troops to win battles but not to hold areas they secure is likely to be alleviated by the deployment of the U.S. 3rd Brigade Combat Division to Afghanistan’s RegionalCommand East (RC-E). The brigade, which will be responsible for the provinces of Wardak and Logar, is the first element of its size to deploy exclusively into these two provinces, increasing the U.S. presence there by thousands. Clearly, it is the first illustration of the United States’ shift in focus from Iraq to Afghanistan. Reflecting NATO’s comprehensive strategy, the brigade will soon begin to move out into Wardak and Logar and build important relationships with the local populace. The brigade will not only help improve security but also bring the local Afghans in a position of strengthened governance and infrastructure. (Read more)
NATO recognizes that the challenges in Afghanistan require a comprehensive approach by the international community, combining civil and military measures and coordination.
• Tuesday, January 27th, 2009
As the media and think tanks continue to debate the effectiveness of NATO operations in Afghanistan, we continue to see the signs of things moving in the right direction. ISAF recently released a story about a successful joint operation conducted against the insurgents linked to the recent Suicide Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devise (SVBIED) attack outside the German Embassy in Kabul. (Read story)
The ANSF continues to grow and develop into a very capable force. There is no doubt that the ANSF development is key to NATO’s security efforts in Afghanistan.
• Thursday, January 15th, 2009
SACEUR’s Quote of Note; The current counter-narcotics effort (in Afghanistan) is ineffective.
The money from the narcotics trade is feeding the insurgency.
It buys weapons and pays fighters – the weapons and fighters that kill soldiers and Afghan citizens alike.
It is a cancer, fuelling the insurgency, contributing to corruption, impeding legitimate commerce, and undermining governance.
Indeed NATO must step up to this task. “
