Afghanistan Study Group: U.S., Afghanistan Counterinsurgency Efforts Founder
Secretary of State John Kerry’s trip to Afghanistan this week indicated an improvement in the U.S.-Afghanistan relationship. But tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan is rising, according to media reports. Developments on the ground in Afghanistan have raised questions about the strength of the insurgency and the capability of local security forces.
From ASG
3/29/13
Growing Support for Ending Afghanistan War
Afghanistan Study Group by Mary Kaszynski
Despite strong support for ending the war among the public, Congress has failed to act. Grappling with tough budget issues, policymakers have somehow forgotten the war that has already cost over $600 billion.
ARTICLES
3/27/13
Once-Touted Afghan Force Falls on Hard Times
Wall Street Journal by Yaroslav Trofimov
When villagers rose up against Taliban rule in Afghanistan’s Andar district last year, U.S. military commanders billed the surprise rebellion as a potential game-changer akin to the Sunni tribal awakening that helped the U.S. leave Iraq. Now, as the spring fighting season begins, it is increasingly clear that the Andar uprising didn’t live up to these hopes.
3/25/13
Afghan insurgency will outlast withdrawal: US general
Agence France-Presse
The Taliban insurgency will continue after coalition combat forces withdraw from Afghanistan in late 2014 but the Afghan government will survive, the ex-chief of the NATO-led force said Monday.
3/25/13
US faces $6bn bill to ship equipment home from Afghanistan
The Guardian by Emma Graham-Harrison
Fighting wars is expensive, but so is winding them down. As the US prepares to ship most of its weapons, vehicles and other equipment home after more than a decade in Afghanistan, the bill for the move will be a staggering $6bn, officers in charge of the complex process say.
3/27/13
U.N. Investigates Report of Fraud at Kabul Office
Wall Street Journal by Nathan Hodge
The United Nations will review new allegations by international monitors of fraud at the Afghanistan office of the world body’s refugee agency, the top U.S. official in Kabul said on Wednesday.
OPINION
3/25/13
Have Americans Forgotten Afghanistan?
The Atlantic by James Wright
As the U.S. grapples with sequestration, the economy, and other policy battles, the war has fallen (even farther) from view.
3/25/13
The Conditions for Staying in Afghanistan
Bloomberg Editorial
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Afghan President Hamid Karzai had plenty to discuss Monday, when Kerry dropped by Kabul for an unannounced visit. Karzai has developed quite a knack for making Americans think twice about their involvement in his country. Here’s the message we hope Kerry delivered: The U.S. still wants to help — but with conditions.
