| Description |
1 online resource (45 pages) : illustrations (some color), color maps |
| Series |
Afghanistan report / Institute for the Study of War ; 8 |
|
Afghanistan report ; 8
|
| Contents |
Executive summary -- Introduction -- Security : counterinsurgency in Helmand -- The Afghan National Security Forces in Helmand -- Counternarcotics in Helmand -- Governance in Helmand -- Reconstruction and development -- Conclusion |
| Notes |
Title from title screen (viewed Jan. 13, 2011) |
|
"January 2011." |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references (pages 40-45) |
| Notes |
Over the course of the past year, the momentum in Helmand has swung from the insurgency to the coalition and Afghan forces. Definable progress is evident in many areas throughout southern and central Helmand. This progress was largely due to 'getting the inputs right, ' that is, providing the decisive force that was required for successful comprehensive counterinsurgency operations. Marines and Afghan forces are currently widening the campaign to include significant population centers in the northern reaches of the province. In just a year and a half, coalition forces along with their Afghan partners have demonstrated their ability to achieve success on the battlefield through sufficiently resourced, population-centric counterinsurgency operations designed to protect the population while taking the fight to the enemy. Yet, progress in Helmand has not been limited to the security line of effort. Substantial gains have been made regarding the development and capabilities of the ANSF in Helmand, though there continues to be challenges in professionalizing the force. This will be achieved over time through close mentoring with their coalition partners. Counternarcotics efforts have been successful in some areas but need to be maintained at their current levels or expanded over the coming years to help farmers weather the multi-year transition from illicit to licit agriculture. Progress on the governance front, arguably the most important line of effort, has been heartening, though there remain significant challenges. The most significant impediment in provincial and district governance has been the interference of malign actors who remain close to President Karzai. As long as this continues, it will be a serious impediment to the establishment of enduring, representative governance in Helmand. Lastly, reconstruction and development efforts are a critical aspect of counterinsurgency operations and follow closely after the establishment of security. Coalition forces must follow through with their promises and at the same time, be cautious not to engender a culture of dependency and corruption among the local population through the massive infusion of aid dollars. While there are many challenges as coalition and Afghan forces that remain, the success that has been achieved over the past eighteen months in Helmand is undeniable |
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Mode of access: World Wide Web |
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System requirements: Adobe Reader |
| Subject |
Counterinsurgency -- Afghanistan -- Helmand River Valley
|
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Afghan War, 2001-2021.
|
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Postwar reconstruction -- Afghanistan -- Helmand River Valley
|
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Counterinsurgency.
|
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Postwar reconstruction.
|
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Afghanistan -- Helmand River Valley.
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| Form |
Electronic book
|
| Author |
Institute for the Study of War (Washington, D.C.)
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