The enemy -- Bucharest Summit -- Does Afghanistan matter? -- 1. Supporting the alliance -- 2. Strengthening multilateralism -- 3. Counter-terrorism -- 4. Border security -- 5. Counter-narcotics -- Recent progress -- Operation Slipper -- The strategy -- ADF force elements in Afghanistan -- The way forward -- Security sector reform -- A comprehensive approach -- Engage Pakistan -- Conclusion
Summary
"The paper argues that Australia's security interests are tied to the success of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission. The paper advances three key recommendations on how to increase the effectiveness of Australia's commitment at little additional cost. First, we must focus on security sector reform by training competent Afghan security forces. Second, we must improve reconstruction and development efforts through better coordination of civil and military resources. Third, we must engage with Pakistan more closely to contain cross-border insurgent activity. The paper argues that the only way to expedite our withdrawal and protect our interests is to work towards a sustainable, democratic and secure Afghanistan."--WEBSITE
