Afghanistan - Carnegie Endowment

Getting Lost in Afghanistan

Gilles Dorronsoro — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 02:00:00 -0700

Former U.S. marine and foreign service officer Matthew Hoh's letter of resignation raises a number of important questions about the value of a continued American combat presence in Afghanistan.

NATO and Russia: Partnership or Peril?

Dmitri Trenin — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 02:00:00 -0700

The West and Russia need to embark on a long, tortuous, and potentially rocky path toward creating a security community in Europe that would include both NATO members and nonmembers.

Who Are the Taliban?

Gilles Dorronsoro — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 02:00:00 -0700

The Taliban are mostly local, accepted by the Afghan population. Most are basically farmers. They know what they stand for, and they view the foreigners as a threat to their families and their values.

Already Illegitimate

Gilles Dorronsoro — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:00:00 -0700

The upcoming Afghan runoff election has some hoping for a popularly elected legitimate government. However, most Afghans don't like their options enough to vote, and it will be easy for officials to fabricate the results.

The Afghanistan Problem

Gilles Dorronsoro — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 02:00:00 -0700

The cultural misunderstandings between Western forces and the Afghan people make it unlikely any counterinsurgency mission in the countryside will succeed.

Worldwise: Russian Relations

James Collins, Dimitri Simes — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 02:00:00 -0700

Russia and the United States are not likely to come to agreement on the best way to approach Iran’s nuclear ambitions any time soon. This issue is likely to be at the top of Secretary Clinton’s agenda during her time in Moscow.

What's the Right Strategy for Afghanistan?

Gilles Dorronsoro — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 02:00:00 -0700

A Taliban victory in Afghanistan would enable al-Qaeda to use Afghan cities as a base. The United States can prevent that outcome by changing its military strategy and by helping to build a strong Afghan state.

Afghan warlords-turned-governors offer viable governance

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 02:00:00 -0700

Afghanistan’s weak central government and limited resources make the informal networks employed by local warlords a viable option for governance. The country’s former warlords, made powerful governors by President Hamid Karzai, use both formal and informal powers to achieve security objectives and deliver development in their provinces.

Taking Stock of the Taliban's Strategy in Afghanistan

Gilles Dorronsoro — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 02:00:00 -0700

The Taliban should not be underestimated. They are an organized and coordinated enemy, and the United States must change its strategy if there is to be any hope of success.

Afghanization

Gilles Dorronsoro — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 02:00:00 -0700

Public debate on sending troops to Afghanistan is focused on the wrong issue. The United States needs to abandon its current strategy and instead prioritize securing the cities and key roads.