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Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [December 13, 2017]
"The United States, partner countries, and the Afghan government are attempting to reverse recent gains made by the resilient Taliban-led insurgency since the December 2014 transition to a smaller international mission consisting primarily of training and advising the Afghanistan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF). The Afghan government has come under increasing domestic criticism not only for failing to prevent insurgent gains but also for its internal divisions that have spurred the establishment of new political opposition coalitions. In September 2014, the United States brokered a compromise to address a dispute over the 2014 presidential election, but a September 2016 deadline was not met for enacting election reforms and deciding whether to elevate the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) position to a prime ministership. The Afghan government has made some measurable progress in reducing corruption and implementing its budgetary and other commitments. It has adopted measures that would enable it to proceed with new parliamentary elections, but no election date has been set."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth; Thomas, Clayton (Analyst in Middle Eastern Affairs)
2017-12-13
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Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [November 7, 2017]
"The United States, partner countries, and the Afghan government are attempting to reverse recent gains made by the resilient Taliban-led insurgency since the December 2014 transition to a smaller international mission consisting primarily of training and advising the Afghanistan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF). The Afghan government has come under increasing domestic criticism not only for failing to prevent insurgent gains but also for its internal divisions that have spurred the establishment of new political opposition coalitions. In September 2014, the United States brokered a compromise to address a dispute over the 2014 presidential election, but a September 2016 deadline was not met for enacting election reforms and deciding whether to elevate the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) position to a prime ministership. The Afghan government has made some measurable progress in reducing corruption and implementing its budgetary and other commitments. It has adopted measures that would enable it to proceed with new parliamentary elections, but no election date has been set."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth; Thomas, Clayton (Analyst in Middle Eastern Affairs)
2017-11-07
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Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [October 2, 2017]
"The United States, partner countries, and the Afghan government are attempting to reverse recent gains made by the resilient Taliban-led insurgency since the December 2014 transition to a smaller international mission consisting primarily of training and advising the Afghanistan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF). The Afghan government has come under increasing domestic criticism not only for failing to prevent insurgent gains but also for its internal divisions that have spurred the establishment of new political opposition coalitions. In September 2014, the United States brokered a compromise to address a dispute over the 2014 presidential election, but a September 2016 deadline was not met for enacting election reforms and deciding whether to elevate the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) position to a prime ministership. The Afghan government has made some measurable progress in reducing corruption and implementing its budgetary and other commitments. It has adopted measures that would enable it to proceed with new parliamentary elections, but no election date has been set."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth; Thomas, Clayton (Analyst in Middle Eastern Affairs)
2017-10-02
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Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [August 22, 2017]
"The United States, partner countries, and the Afghan government are attempting to reverse recent gains made by the resilient Taliban-led insurgency since the December 2014 transition to a smaller international mission consisting primarily of training and advising the Afghanistan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF). The Afghan government has come under increasing domestic criticism not only for failing to prevent insurgent gains but also for its internal divisions that have spurred the establishment of new political opposition coalitions. In September 2014, the United States brokered a compromise to address a dispute over the 2014 presidential election, but a September 2016 deadline was not met for enacting election reforms and deciding whether to elevate the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) position to a prime ministership. The Afghan government has made some measurable progress in reducing corruption and implementing its budgetary and other commitments. It has adopted measures that would enable it to proceed with new parliamentary elections, but no election date has been set."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth; Clayton, Thomas
2017-08-22
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Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [July 24, 2017]
"The United States, partner countries, and the Afghan government are attempting to reverse recent gains made by the resilient Taliban-led insurgency since the December 2014 transition to a smaller international mission consisting primarily of training and advising the Afghanistan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF). The Afghan government has come under increasing domestic criticism not only for failing to prevent insurgent gains but also for its internal divisions that have spurred the establishment of new political opposition coalitions. In September 2014, the United States brokered a compromise to address a dispute over the 2014 presidential election, but a September 2016 deadline was not met for enacting election reforms and deciding whether to elevate the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) position to a prime ministership. The Afghan government has made some measurable progress in reducing corruption and implementing its budgetary and other commitments. It has adopted measures that would enable it to proceed with new parliamentary elections, but no election date has been set."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth; Thomas, Clayton (Analyst in Middle Eastern Affairs)
2017-07-24
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Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [March 28, 2017]
"The United States, partner countries, and the Afghan government are attempting to reverse recent gains made by the resilient Taliban-led insurgency since the December 2014 transition to a smaller international mission consisting primarily of training and advising the Afghanistan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF). The Afghan government has come under increasing domestic criticism not only for failing to prevent insurgent gains but also for its internal divisions. [...] A component of U.S. policy to help establish a self-sustaining Afghanistan is to encourage economic development and integration into regional trading patterns. However, Afghanistan will remain dependent on foreign aid for many years."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2017-03-28
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Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [January 12, 2017]
"The United States, partner countries, and the Afghan government are attempting to reverse recent gains made by the resilient Taliban-led insurgency since the December 2014 transition to a smaller international mission consisting primarily of training and advising the Afghanistan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF). The Afghan government has come under increasing domestic criticism not only for failing to prevent insurgent gains but also for its internal divisions. In September 2014, the United States brokered a compromise to address a dispute over the 2014 presidential election, but a September 2016 deadline was not met for enacting election reforms and deciding whether the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) position might be elevated to a prime ministership in a restructured government. The progress of the Afghan government in reducing corruption and implementing its budgetary and other commitments was assessed by an international meeting on Afghanistan during October 4-5, in Brussels, as sufficient to merit continued international assistance. And, in late 2016, the government adopted the requisite measures to, at the very least, move forward with new parliamentary elections. The number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, which peaked at about 100,000 in 2011, is about 9,800, of which most are assigned to the 13,000-person NATO-led 'Resolute Support Mission' that trains, assists, and advises the ANDSF."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2017-01-12
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Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [November 8, 2016]
"The United States, partner countries, and the Afghan government are attempting to reverse recent gains made by the resilient Taliban-led insurgency since the December 2014 transition to a smaller international mission consisting primarily of training and advising the Afghanistan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF). The Afghan government has come under increasing domestic criticism not only for failing to prevent insurgent gains but also for its internal divisions. In September 2014, the United States brokered a compromise to address a dispute over the 2014 presidential election, but a September 2016 deadline was not met for enacting election reforms and deciding whether the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) position might be elevated to a prime minister ship in a restructured government. […] The number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, which peaked at about 100,000 in 2011, is about 9,800, of which most are assigned to the 13,000-person NATO-led 'Resolute Support Mission' that trains, assists, and advises the ANDSF. About 2,000 of the U.S. contingent are involved in combat against Al Qaeda and associated terrorist groups, including the Afghanistan branch of the Islamic State organization (ISIL-Khorasan), under 'Operation Freedom's Sentinel.' […] U.S. officials assert that insurgents still do not pose a threat to the stability of the government. […] A component of U.S. policy to help establish a self-sustaining Afghanistan is to encourage economic development and integration into regional trading patterns. However, Afghanistan will
remain dependent on foreign aid for many years."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2016-11-08
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Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [October 9, 2016]
"The United States, partner countries, and the Afghan government are attempting to reverse recent gains made by the resilient Taliban-led insurgency since the December 2014 transition to a smaller international mission consisting primarily of training and advising the Afghanistan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF). The Afghan government has come under increasing domestic criticism not only for failing to prevent insurgent gains but also for its internal divisions. In September 2014, the United States brokered a compromise to address a dispute over the 2014 presidential election, but a September 2016 deadline was not met for enacting election reforms and deciding whether the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) position might be elevated to a prime ministership in a restructured government. […] The number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, which peaked at about 100,000 in 2011, stands at about 9,800, of which most are assigned to the 13,000-person NATO-led "Resolute Support Mission" that trains, assists, and advises the ANDSF. […] U.S. officials assert that insurgents still do not pose a threat to the stability of the [Afghani] government. […] A component of U.S. policy to help establish a self-sustaining Afghanistan is to encourage economic development and integration into regional trading patterns. However, Afghanistan will remain dependent on foreign aid for many years. […] For FY2016, the United States is providing $5.3 billion, including $3.8 billion for the ANDSF. The Administration has requested about $4.67 billion for FY2017, of which $3.5 billion is for the ANDSF. These figures do not include funds for U.S. military operations in Afghanistan."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2016-09-26
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Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [June 6, 2016]
This report outlines current attempts by the United States and partner countries " to reverse recent gains made by the resilient Taliban-led insurgency since the December 2014 transition to a smaller international mission consisting primarily of training and advising the Afghanistan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF). The Afghan government has come under increasing domestic criticism not only for the security situation but for its internal divisions. In September 2014, the United States brokered a compromise to address a dispute over the 2014 presidential election, but a September 2016 deadline approaches for resolving remaining issues such as election reform and whether the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) position created under the compromise might become a prime ministership in a restructured government […] A component of U.S. policy to help establish a self-sustaining Afghanistan is to encourage economic development and integration into regional trading patterns. However, Afghanistan will remain dependent on foreign aid for many years. Through the end of FY2014, the United States provided about $100 billion to Afghanistan since the fall of the Taliban, of which about 60% has been to equip and train the ANDSF. About $5.7 billion was being provided in FY2015, including $4.1 billion for the ANDSF. For FY2016, the United States is providing $5.3 billion, including $3.8 billion for the ANDSF. The Administration has requested about $4.67 billion for FY2017, of which $3.5 billion is for the ANDSF. These figures do not include funds for U.S. military operations in Afghanistan. See CRS Report RS21922, 'Afghanistan: Politics, Elections, and Government Performance, by Kenneth Katzman.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2016-06-06
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Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [April 15, 2016]
"The United States, partner countries, and the Afghan government are attempting to reverse recent gains made by the resilient Taliban-led insurgency since the December 2014 transition to a smaller international mission consisting primarily of training and advising the Afghanistan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF). The Afghan government has come under increasing domestic criticism not only for the security situation but for its internal divisions since the September 2014, U.S.-brokered solution under which Ashraf Ghani became President and Dr. Abdullah Abdullah was appointed to a new position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the government. The compromise addressed a dispute over the 2014 presidential election, but a September 2016 deadline approaches for resolving remaining issues such as election reform and whether the CEO position might become a prime ministership in a restructured government."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2016-04-15
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Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [February 17, 2016]
"The United States, partner countries, and the Afghan government are coping with a resilient Taliban-led insurgency after the December 2014 transition to a smaller international mission consisting primarily of training and advising the Afghanistan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF). The number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, which peaked at about 100,000 in June 2011, stands at about 9,800, of which most are assigned to the 13,000-person NATO-led 'Resolute Support Mission' to train, assist, and advise the ANDSF. About 2,000 of the U.S. contingent are involved in combat against Al Qaeda and associated terrorist groups, including the Afghanistan branch of the Islamic State organization (ISIL-Khorasan), under U.S. 'Operation Freedom's Sentinel.' Amid assessments that the ANDSF is having difficulty preventing gains by the Taliban and other militant groups--exemplified by the insurgent overrunning of the northern city of city of Konduz in late September 2015 and major insurgent gains in Helmand Province--President Obama announced on October 15, 2015, that about 10,000 U.S. military personnel would remain in Afghanistan through almost all of 2016, and fall by the end of 2016 to 5,500. That post-2016 force is significantly larger than the planned post-2016 U.S. force of about 1,000 personnel that was previously announced. However, there reportedly is debate within the Administration whether the United States should maintain current troop levels indefinitely and not reduce to 5,500 by the end of 2016, and perhaps not reduce at all."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2016-02-17
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Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [December 22, 2015]
"The United States, partner countries, and the Afghan government are coping with a resilient Taliban-led insurgency after the December 2014 transition to a smaller international mission consisting primarily of training and advising the Afghanistan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF). The number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, which peaked at about 100,000 in June 2011, stands at about 9,800, of which most are assigned to the 13,000-person NATO-led 'Resolute Support Mission' to train, assist, and advise the ANDSF. About 1,000 of the U.S. contingent conduct combat against Al Qaeda and associated terrorist groups under U.S. 'Operation Freedom's Sentinel' that replaced the post-September 11 'Operation Enduring Freedom.' Amid assessments that the ANDSF is having difficulty preventing gains by the Taliban and other militant groups--exemplified by the insurgent overrunning of the northern city of city of Konduz in late September 2015 and major insurgent gains in Helmand Province--President Obama announced on October 15, 2015, that about 10,000 U.S. military personnel would remain in Afghanistan through almost all of 2016, and subsequently fall to 5,500. The post-2016 force, which will remain at 5,500 for an undetermined time, is significantly larger than the U.S. force of about 1,000 personnel that was previously announced."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2015-12-22
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Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [October 15, 2015]
"At the end of 2014, the United States and partner countries completed a transition to a smaller mission consisting primarily of training and advising the Afghanistan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF). The number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, which peaked at about 100,000 in June 2011, stands at about 9,800, of which about 1,000 continue to conduct combat under U.S. 'Operation Freedom's Sentinel' that replaced the post-September 11 'Operation Enduring Freedom.' U.S. forces constitute the bulk of the 13,000-person NATO-led 'Resolute Support Mission.' Amid assessments that the ANDSF is having difficulty preventing gains by the Taliban and other militant groups (exemplified by the insurgent overrunning of the northern city of city of Konduz in late September 2015) President Obama announced on October 15, 2015, that about 10,000 U.S. military personnel would remain in Afghanistan through almost all of 2016, and subsequently fall to 5,500. The 5,500 person post-2016 force is significantly larger than the U.S. force of about 1,000 personnel that was previously announced for that timeframe. Prior to the Konduz takeover, U.S. officials asserted that insurgents did not pose a threat to the stability of the government, and U.S. officials have not subsequently altered that assessment publicly. The insurgency benefits, in some measure, from weak governance in Afghanistan. A dispute over the 2014 presidential election in Afghanistan was settled in September 2014 by a U.S.-brokered solution under which Ashraf Ghani became President and Dr. Abdullah Abdullah was appointed to a new position of Chief Executive Officer of the government."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2015-10-15
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Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [August 17, 2015]
"At the end of 2014, the United States and partner countries completed a transition to a smaller mission consisting primarily of training and advising the Afghanistan National Security Forces (ANSF). The number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, which peaked at about 100,000 in June 2011, stands at about 9,800. About 1,000 of the U.S. contingent are counter-terrorism forces that continue to conduct combat, operating under U.S. 'Operation Freedom's Sentinel' that has replaced the post-September 11 'Operation Enduring Freedom.' U.S. forces constitute the bulk of the 13,000-person NATO-led 'Resolute Support Mission.' The post-2016 U.S. force is to be several hundred military personnel, under U.S. Embassy authority. However, amid assessments that the ANSF is having some difficulty preventing gains by the Taliban and other militant groups, President Obama announced that U.S. forces would remain at about 10,000 through the end of 2015. There has not been an announced change in the size in the post-2016 U.S. forces. U.S. officials assert that insurgents do not pose a threat to the stability of the government, but militants continue to conduct high-profile attacks and gain ground in some areas. The insurgency benefits, in some measure, from weak governance in Afghanistan."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2015-08-17
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Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [April 27, 2015]
From the summary: "As of January 1, 2015, the United States and its partner countries have completed a transition to a smaller post-2014 mission consisting mostly, but not exclusively, of training the Afghanistan National Security Forces (ANSF). The number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, which peaked at about 100,000 in June 2011, has been reduced to about 10,000, of which most are trainers and advisers as part of a 13,000-person NATO-led 'Resolute Support Mission.' About 1,000 of the U.S. contingent are counter-terrorism forces that continue to conduct combat, operating under a new U.S. 'Operation Freedom's Sentinel' that replaced the post-September 11 'Operation Enduring Freedom.' President Obama directed in May 2014 that the U.S. force will shrink during 2015 to about 5,000 by the end of this year, and their presence after 2015 will be exclusively in Kabul and at Bagram Airfield. The post-2016 U.S. force is to be several hundred military personnel, under U.S. Embassy authority. However, in late March 2015, in conjunction with a visit to Washington, DC, by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, President Obama announced that U.S. forces would remain at about 10,000 through the end of 2015. He said there has not, at this point, been a change in the size in the post- 2016 U.S. forces."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2015-04-27
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Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [February 24, 2015]
"As of January 1, 2015, the United States and its partner countries have completed a transition to a smaller post-2014 mission consisting mostly, but not exclusively, of training the Afghanistan National Security Forces (ANSF). The number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, which peaked at about 100,000 in June 2011, has been reduced to about 10,500, of which most are trainers and advisers as part of a 13,000-person NATO-led 'Resolute Support Mission.' About 1,000 of the U.S. contingent are counter-terrorism forces that continue to conduct combat, operating under a new U.S. 'Operation Freedom's Sentinel' that replaces the post-September 11 'Operation Enduring Freedom.' President Obama directed in May 2014 that the U.S. force will shrink during 2015 to about 5,000 by the end of this year, and their presence after 2015 will be exclusively in Kabul and at Bagram Airfield. The post-2016 U.S. force is to be several hundred military personnel, under U.S. Embassy authority. However, doubts about the ability of the ANSF to operate without substantial international backing have led to recent U.S. alterations of the post- 2014 U.S. rules of engagement and to U.S. command statements that the 2015-16 drawdown plan might be altered."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2015-02-24
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Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [January 20, 2015]
"As of January 1, 2015, the United States and its partner countries have completed a transition to a smaller post-2014 mission consisting mostly of training the Afghanistan National Security Forces (ANSF), which lead security operations throughout the country. The number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, which peaked at about 100,000 in June 2011, has been reduced to just over 10,000, of which most are trainers and advisers as part of a 13,000 NATO-led 'Resolute Support Mission.' […] The post-2016 U.S. force is to be several hundred military personnel, under U.S. Embassy authority. However, doubts about the ability of the ANSF to operate without substantial international backing have led to recent U.S. alterations of the post- 2014 U.S. rules of engagement and debate over the size of the post-2016 force. […] As part of a longer term economic strategy for Afghanistan, U.S. officials seek greater Afghan integration into regional trade and investment patterns as part of a 'New Silk Road,' and say that Afghanistan might be able to exploit vast mineral resources. Still, Afghanistan will remain dependent on foreign aid for many years. Through the end of FY2013, the United States provided nearly $93 billion in assistance to Afghanistan since the fall of the Taliban, of which more than $56 billion has been to equip and train Afghan forces. The appropriated U.S. aid for FY2014 is over $6.1 billion, including $4.7 billion to train and equip the ANSF, and the FY2015 request is about $5.7 billion. These figures do not include funds for U.S. military operations in Afghanistan. Administration officials have pledged to Afghanistan that economic aid requests for Afghanistan are likely to continue roughly at recent levels (about $1.5 billion per year) through at least FY2017."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2015-01-20
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Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [December 2, 2014]
"Afghan security forces have lead security responsibility throughout the country, and the United States and its partner countries are in the process of transitioning to a smaller post-2014 mission consisting mostly of training the Afghanistan National Security Forces (ANSF). […] The post-2016 U.S. force is to be several hundred military personnel, under U.S. Embassy authority. Still, doubts about the ability of the ANSF to operate without substantial international backing have led to recent U.S. alterations of the post-2014 U.S. rules of engagement and debate over the post-2016 force. The post-2014 force was contingent on Afghanistan's signing a Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) with the United States. A dispute over alleged fraud in the June runoff presidential election resulted in a U.S.-brokered solution under which Ashraf Ghani became President and Dr. Abdullah Abdullah was appointed to a new position of Chief Executive Officer of the government. […] Even though the election dispute was resolved, at least for now, experts remain concerned that Afghan stability is at risk from weak and corrupt Afghan governance. Ghani and Abdullah's disagreements over new cabinet selections have delayed the appointment of a new cabinet. U.S. and partner country anti-corruption efforts in Afghanistan have yielded few concrete results, although since taking office, Ghani, has signaled he will prioritize anti-corruption issues. An unexpected potential benefit to stability could come from a negotiated settlement between the Afghan government and the Taliban and other insurgent groups. […] As part of a longer term economic strategy for Afghanistan, U.S. officials seek greater Afghan integration into regional trade and investment patterns as part of a 'New Silk Road,' and say that Afghanistan might be able to exploit vast mineral resources. Still, Afghanistan will remain dependent on foreign aid for many years."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2014-12-02
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Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [October 9, 2014]
"Afghan security forces have lead security responsibility throughout the country, and the United States and its partner countries are in the process of transitioning to a smaller post-2014 mission consisting mostly of training the Afghanistan National Security Forces (ANSF). The number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, which peaked at about 100,000 in June 2011, has been reduced to about 30,000. President Obama announced in May 2014 that the United States plans to keep 9,800 U.S. forces in Afghanistan during 2015, shrinking to 4,900 mostly in Kabul and at Bagram Airfield during 2016. The post-2016 force is to be several hundred military personnel, under U.S. Embassy authority. The post-2014 force was contingent on Afghanistan's signing a Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) with the United States. All candidates in the April 5, 2014, presidential election publicly support the agreement, including Dr. Abdullah Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani, who garnered enough votes to proceed to a runoff on June 14. A dispute over alleged fraud in that runoff resulted in a U.S.-brokered solution under which Ghani was declared the winner and Abdullah was appointed to a new position of Chief Executive Officer of the government. Ghani and Abdullah took office on September 29, and the U.S.-Afghan BSA was signed on September 30. A similar document was also signed between Afghanistan and NATO. Even though the election dispute has been resolved, at least for now, experts remain concerned that Afghan stability is at risk from weak and corrupt Afghan governance and insurgent safe havens in Pakistan."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2014-10-09
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Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [July 11, 2014]
"Afghan security forces have lead security responsibility throughout the country, and the United States and its partner countries are in the process of winding down the current international security mission by the end of 2014. A planned post-2014 mission will consist mostly of training the Afghanistan National Security Forces (ANSF). The number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, which peaked at about 100,000 in June 2011, was reduced to 34,000 as of February 2014. President Obama announced in late May 2014 that the post-2014 mission will include 9,800 U.S. forces, shrinking by the end of 2015 to 4,900 mostly in Kabul and at Bagram Airfield. The force will shrink to a small force of several hundred after 2016, engaged mostly in handling military sales to Afghanistan. The post-2014 force is contingent on Afghanistan's signing a Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) with the United States. All the candidates in the April 5, 2014, presidential election publicly support the agreement, including Dr. Abdullah Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani, who garnered enough votes to proceed to a runoff on June 14. Preliminary runoff results released on July 7 showed Ghani ahead by 56% to 44%, but Afghan and international officials have acknowledged there was substantial fraud and Dr. Abdullah has said he will not recognize a Ghani victory under existing vote certification processes. U.S. officials are attempting to broker a resolution process that would involve auditing votes from a substantial number of polling stations. The dispute has clouded prospects for a peaceful transfer of power to a new president by the August 2 planned date and the signing of a U.S.-Afghanistan Bilateral Security Agreement that is required to keep U.S. forces in Afghanistan after 2014."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2014-07-11
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Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [May 29, 2014]
"Afghan security forces have lead security responsibility throughout the country, and the United States and its partner countries are in the process of winding down the current international security mission by the end of 2014. A planned post-2014 mission will consist mostly of training the Afghanistan National Security Forces (ANSF). The number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, which peaked at about 100,000 in June 2011, was reduced to a 'pre-surge' level of about 66,000 by September 2012, and to about 34,000 as of February 2014. The U.S. force will be about 28,000 as of June 1 and will decline further to 22,000 by the end of October. President Obama announced in late May 2014 that the follow-on mission will include 9,800 U.S. forces, declining in the beginning of 2015 to 4,900 mostly in Kabul and at Bagram Airfield, before winding down to a small force (about 1,000) after 2016, engaged mostly in handling military sales to Afghanistan. The post-2014 force is contingent on Afghanistan's signing a Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) with the United States. All the candidates in the April 5, 2014, presidential election--which took place with apparent high turnout and minimal violence--publicly support the agreement. A successor will take office in late July or August--after votes from a June 14 runoff are certified. Fearing instability after 2014, some ethnic and political faction leaders are reviving their militia forces should the international drawdown lead to a major Taliban push to retake power."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2014-05-29
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Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [April 9, 2014]
"The United States and other donors continue to fund development projects, increasingly delegating project implementation to the Afghan government. U.S. officials assert that Afghanistan might be able to exploit vast mineral and agricultural resources, as well as its potentially significant hydrocarbon resources, to prevent a major economic downturn as international donors scale back their involvement. U.S. officials also seek greater Afghan integration into regional trade and investment patterns as part of a 'New Silk Road.' Persuading Afghanistan's neighbors, particularly Pakistan, to support Afghanistan's stability has shown some modest success over the past year. Even if these economic efforts succeed, Afghanistan will likely remain dependent on foreign aid indefinitely. Through the end of FY2013, the United States provided nearly $93 billion in assistance to Afghanistan since the fall of the Taliban, of which more than $56 billion has been to equip and train Afghan forces. The appropriated U.S. aid for FY2014 is over $6.1 billion, including $4.7 billion to train and equip the ANSF [Afghanistan National Security Forces], and the FY2015 request is similar to the FY2014-appropriated levels. Administration officials have pledged to Afghanistan that economic aid requests for Afghanistan are likely to continue roughly at recent levels through at least FY2017."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2014-04-09
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Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [March 4, 2014]
"The United States and its partner countries are reducing military involvement in Afghanistan as Afghan security forces assume lead security responsibility throughout the country. The current international security mission terminates at the end of 2014 and has been expected to transition to a smaller mission consisting mostly of training the Afghanistan National Security Forces (ANSF). The number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, which peaked at about 100,000 in June 2011, was reduced to a 'pre-surge' level of about 66,000 by September 2012, and to about 34,000 as of February 2014. A number of options for the size of a 'residual force' that will remain in Afghanistan after 2014 are under consideration in the United States and in NATO countries. The widely preferred option is for about 12,000 trainers and mentors, of which about two-thirds would be U.S. forces, plus a number of mostly U.S. counterterrorism forces. However, no decisions have been made on the residual force because President Hamid Karzai refuses to sign a required Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) before he leaves office in mid-2014. All the candidates in the April 5, 2014, presidential election say they support the agreement, but a successor will likely not take office until June 2014 at the earliest, thereby constraining the U.S. and NATO force planning process. Fearing instability after 2014, some ethnic and political faction leaders are reviving their militia forces should the international drawdown lead to a major Taliban push to retake power."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2014-03-04
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Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [January 17, 2014]
"The United States and its partner countries are reducing military involvement in Afghanistan as Afghan security forces assume lead security responsibility throughout the country and the Afghan government prepares for presidential and provincial elections on April 5, 2014. The current international security mission terminates at the end of 2014 and will likely transition to a smaller mission consisting mostly of training the Afghanistan National Security Forces (ANSF). The number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, which peaked at about 100,000 in June 2011, was reduced to a 'pre-surge' level of about 66,000 by September 2012, and is expected to fall to 34,000 in February 2014. The 'residual force' that will likely remain in Afghanistan after 2014 is expected to consist of about 6,000-10,000 U.S. trainers and counterterrorism forces, assisted by about 5,000 partner forces performing similar missions. […] Even if these economic efforts succeed, Afghanistan will likely remain dependent on foreign aid indefinitely. Through the end of FY2013, the United States provided nearly $93 billion in assistance to Afghanistan since the fall of the Taliban, of which more than $56 billion has been to equip and train Afghan forces. The anticipated U.S. aid for FY2014 is over $6 billion, including $4.7 billion to train and equip the ANSF. Administration officials have said that economic aid requests for Afghanistan are likely to continue roughly at recent levels through at least FY2017. See CRS Report RS21922, 'Afghanistan: Politics, Elections, and Government Performance', by Kenneth Katzman."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2014-01-17
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Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [December 6, 2013]
"The United States and its partner countries are reducing military involvement in Afghanistan as Afghan security forces assume lead security responsibility throughout the country. The current international security mission will terminate at the end of 2014 and likely transition to a far smaller mission consisting mostly of training and mentoring the Afghanistan National Security Forces (ANSF). The number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, which peaked at about 100,000 in June 2011, was reduced to a 'pre-surge' level of about 66,000 in September 2012, and is currently about 45,000. That number will fall to 34,000 by February 2014. The size of the 'residual force' that will likely remain in Afghanistan after 2014 might be announced in early 2014, with options centering on about 6,000-10,000 U.S. trainers and counterterrorism forces, assisted by about 5,000 partner forces performing similar missions. The U.S. troops that remain after 2014 would do so under a U.S.-Afghanistan security agreement that the United States says has been finalized but which President Hamid Karzai, despite significant public and elite backing for the agreement, refuses to sign until additional conditions he has set down are met. Fearing instability after 2014, some ethnic and political faction leaders are reviving their militia forces should the international drawdown lead to a major Taliban push to retake power. The Administration remains concerned that Afghan stability after 2014 is at risk from weak and corrupt Afghan governance and insurgent safe havens in Pakistan."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2013-12-06
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Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [October 23, 2013]
"The United States and its partner countries are reducing military involvement in Afghanistan as Afghan security forces assume lead security responsibility throughout the country. The current international security mission will terminate at the end of 2014 and likely transition to a far smaller mission consisting mostly of training and mentoring the Afghanistan National Security Forces (ANSF). […] The United States and other donors continue to fund development projects while increasingly delegating project implementation to the Afghan government. U.S. officials assert that Afghanistan might be able to exploit vast mineral and agricultural resources, as well as its potentially significant hydrocarbon resources, to prevent a severe economic downturn as international donors scale back their involvement, U.S. officials also seek greater Afghan integration into regional trade and investment patterns as part of a 'New Silk Road.' Persuading Afghanistan's neighbors, particularly Pakistan, to support Afghanistan's stability has been a focus of U.S. policy since 2009, but has had modest success. Even if these economic efforts succeed, Afghanistan will likely remain dependent on foreign aid indefinitely. Through the end of FY2013, the United States has provided nearly $93 billion in assistance to Afghanistan since the fall of the Taliban, of which more than $56 billion has been to equip and train Afghan forces. The aid request for FY2014 is over $10 billion, including $7.7 billion to train and equip the ANSF. Administration officials have said that economic aid requests for Afghanistan are likely to continue at current levels through at least FY2017."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2013-10-23
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Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [August 8, 2013]
"The United States and its partner countries are reducing military involvement in Afghanistan as Afghan security forces assume lead security responsibility throughout the country. The current international security mission will terminate at the end of 2014 and likely transition to a far smaller mission consisting mostly of training and mentoring the Afghanistan National Security Forces (ANSF). The number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, which peaked at about 100,000 in June 2011, was reduced to a 'pre-surge' level of about 66,000 as of September 20, 2012, and has been reduced further to about 63,000. U.S. force levels are to fall to 34,000 by February 2014, with the bulk of that drawdown to take place in the winter of 2013-2014. The size of the international force that will remain in Afghanistan after 2014 is to be announced later in 2013, with options centering on about 8,000-12,000 trainers plus an unspecified number of counterterrorism forces. The majority of the total post-2014 international force would be from the United States. The U.S. troops that remain after 2014 would do so under a U.S.-Afghanistan security agreement that is under negotiation. Still, fearing instability after 2014, some key ethnic and political faction leaders are preparing to revive their militia forces should the international drawdown lead to a major Taliban push to retake power."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2013-08-08
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Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [June 25, 2013]
"The United States and its partner countries are reducing military involvement in Afghanistan as Afghan security forces assume lead security responsibility throughout the country. The current international security mission will terminate at the end of 2014 and likely transition to a far smaller mission consisting mostly of training and mentoring the Afghanistan National Security Forces (ANSF). The number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, which peaked at about 100,000 in June 2011, was reduced to a 'pre-surge' level of about 66,000 as of September 20, 2012, and has been reduced further to about 62,000. U.S. force levels are to fall to 34,000 by February 2014, with the bulk of that drawdown to take place in the winter of 2013-2014. The size of the international force that will remain in Afghanistan after 2014 is to be announced later in 2013, with options centering on about 8,000-12,000 trainers plus an unspecified number of counterterrorism forces. The majority of the total post-2014 international force would be from the United States. The U.S. troops that remain after 2014 would do so under a U.S.-Afghanistan security agreement that is under negotiation. Still, fearing instability after 2014, some key ethnic and political faction leaders are preparing to revive their militia forces should the international drawdown lead to a major Taliban push to retake power. The Administration remains concerned that Afghan stability after 2014 is at risk from weak and corrupt Afghan governance and insurgent safe havens in Pakistan. Among efforts to promote effective and transparent Afghan governance, U.S. officials are pushing for substantial election reform to ensure that the next presidential election, scheduled for April 5, 2014, will be devoid of the fraud that plagued Afghanistan's elections in 2009 and 2010."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2013-06-25
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Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [May 20, 2013]
"The United States and its partner countries are reducing military involvement in Afghanistan in preparation to end the current international security mission by the end of 2014. As agreed by President Obama and Afghan President Karzai, and announced January 11, 2013, Afghan forces will assume the security lead nationwide during the spring of 2013 and U.S. forces will move to a support role. The number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, which peaked at about 100,000 in June 2011, was reduced to a 'pre-surge' level of about 66,000 as of September 20, 2012. An additional 34,000 will leave by February 2014, but the bulk of that drawdown will take place in late 2013- early 2014. The size of the international force that will remain in Afghanistan after 2014 is to be announced later in May or in June 2013, with options narrowing to 8,000 -- 12,000, of which the majority would be U.S. forces. The primary mission will be to train the Afghanistan National Security Forces (ANSF), but some international forces will engage in counter-terrorism missions as well. The U.S. troops that remain after 2014 would do so under a U.S.-Afghanistan security agreement that is under negotiation. Still, fearing instability after 2014, some key ethnic and political faction leaders are preparing to revive their militia forces should the international drawdown lead to a major Taliban push to retake power. The Administration remains concerned that Afghan stability after 2014 is at risk from weak and corrupt Afghan governance and insurgent safe havens in Pakistan. Among efforts to promote effective and transparent Afghan governance, U.S. officials are pushing for substantial election reform to ensure that the next presidential election, scheduled for April 5, 2014, will be devoid of the fraud that plagued Afghanistan's elections in 2009 and 2010. An unexpected potential benefit to stability could come from a negotiated settlement between the Afghan government and the Taliban and other insurgent groups. Negotiations have proceeded sporadically since early 2010, but informal discussions have continued and even evolved into exchanges of specific proposals. Afghanistan's minorities and women's groups fear that a settlement might produce compromises with the Taliban that erode human rights and ethnic power-sharing."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2013-05-20
