The New American Strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan

The Obama Administration's new AfPak-Strategy implements the strategy change long asked for by security experts & the military. Striving to integrate military with non-military means, to engage neighboring & regional powers, & emphasizing the development of Afghan security forces, A...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:S + F 2009-01, Vol.27 (4), p.251-259
Main Author: Horlohe, Thomas
Format: Article
Language:ger
Subjects:
Afghanistan
Armed Forces
Corruption
Management
National Security
Pakistan
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Summary:The Obama Administration's new AfPak-Strategy implements the strategy change long asked for by security experts & the military. Striving to integrate military with non-military means, to engage neighboring & regional powers, & emphasizing the development of Afghan security forces, AfPak offers a far better chance at progress in addressing the security challenges in & around 'Pashtunistan' than the non-strategy pursued by the Bush Administration. However, AfPak commits only limited additional military forces, sets very ambitious force-goals regarding the Afghan National Army & struggles to balance & integrate escalating military action with the civilian reconstruction effort. In particular AfPak offers little in terms of fighting corruption or providing alternatives to the poppy-economy. In escalating the anti-Taliban campaign in Pakistan, AfPak takes considerable political risks. Furthermore, AfPak seems to be undecided which strategic objective to give priority: 'The War on Terror' or sustained nation-building. Blending both & making the latter the prerequisite for the former has little appeal as an exit strategy. Adapted from the source document.
ISSN:0175-274X