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Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [March 11, 2008]
"U.S. and outside assessments of the effort to stabilize Afghanistan are mixed and subject to debate; the Administration notes progress on reconstruction, governance and security in many areas of Afghanistan, particularly the east, where U.S. forces are in the lead. However, a November 2007 Bush Administration review of U.S. efforts in Afghanistan reportedly concluded that overall progress was inadequate, and a number of efforts to augment the U.S. stabilization effort are underway or under consideration. Outside assessments have tended toward more pessimism, emphasizing a growing sense of insecurity in areas previously considered secure, more suicide bombings, and growing aggregate poppy cultivation, as well as increasing divisions within the NATO alliance about the relative share of combat among the nations contributing to the peacekeeping mission. Both the official U.S. as well as outside assessments are increasingly pointing to Pakistan as failing -- either through lack of attention or deliberate strategy -- to prevent Taliban commanders from operating from Pakistan, largely beyond the reach of U.S./NATO-led forces in Afghanistan. […] The United States has given Afghanistan over $23 billion (appropriated, including FY2008 to date) since the fall of the Taliban, including funds to equip and train Afghan security forces. About $1.05 billion in economic aid is requested for FY2009. Breakdowns are shown in the several tables at the end of this paper. This paper will be updated as warranted by major developments. See also CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RS21922, 'Afghanistan: Government Formation and Performance', by Kenneth Katzman; and CRS Report RL32686, 'Afghanistan: Narcotics and U.S. Policy', by Christopher M. Blanchard."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2008-03-11
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Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [Updated February 15, 2008]
"U.S. and outside assessments of the effort to stabilize Afghanistan are mixed and subject to debate; the Administration notes progress on reconstruction, governance and security in many areas of Afghanistan. However, a November 2007 Bush Administration review of U.S. efforts in Afghanistan reportedly concluded that overall progress was inadequate, and a number of efforts to augment the U.S. stabilization effort are underway or under further consideration. Outside assessments have tended toward more pessimism, emphasizing a growing sense of insecurity in areas previously considered secure, more suicide bombings, and growing aggregate poppy cultivation, as well as increasing divisions within the NATO alliance about the relative share of combat among the nations contributing to the peacekeeping mission. […] To help stabilize Afghanistan, the United States and partner countries are deploying a 42,000 troop NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) that now commands peacekeeping throughout Afghanistan, including the restive south. Of those, 15,000 of the 27,000 U.S. forces in Afghanistan are part of ISAF; the remainder are under direct U.S. command. The U.S. and partner forces also run regional enclaves to secure reconstruction (Provincial Reconstruction Teams, PRTs), and are building an Afghan National Army and National Police. The United States has given Afghanistan over $23 billion (appropriated, including FY2008 to date) since the fall of the Taliban, including funds to equip and train Afghan security forces. About $1.05 billion in economic aid is requested for FY2009."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2008-02-15
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Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [Updated January 28, 2008]
"The insurgency led by supporters of the Taliban movement and Al Qaeda continues to challenge U.S. and partner country forces, particularly in the south, and to operate in areas where there is little Afghan or international presence. Uninterrupted tactical victories, such as the NATO preemption of an anticipated 2007 "spring offensive" by the Taliban, have not defeated the Taliban to date. Contributing to the violence is popular frustration with lack of economic development, official corruption, and the failure to extend Afghan government authority into rural areas. Narcotics trafficking is resisting counter-measures and funding insurgent activity. The Afghan government and some U.S. officials blame Pakistan for failing to prevent Taliban commanders from operating from Pakistan, largely beyond the reach of U.S./NATO-led forces in Afghanistan. To help stabilize Afghanistan, the United States and partner countries are deploying a 42,000 troop NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) that now commands peacekeeping throughout Afghanistan, including the restive south, and running regional enclaves to secure reconstruction (Provincial Reconstruction Teams, PRTs), as well as building an Afghan National Army. About 27,000 U.S. troops are in Afghanistan, of which about 15,000 are part of ISAF. The United States has given Afghanistan over $23 billion (appropriated, including FY2008 regular) since the fall of the Taliban, including funds to equip and train Afghan security forces. Breakdowns are shown in the several tables at the end of this paper. This paper will be updated as warranted by major developments. See also CRS Report RS21922, Afghanistan: Government Formation and Performance, by Kenneth Katzman; and CRS Report RL32686, Afghanistan: Narcotics and U.S. Policy, by Christopher M. Blanchard."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2008-01-28
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Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [Updated January 14, 2008]
"U.S. and outside assessments of the effort to stabilize Afghanistan are mixed and subject to debate; many note progress on reconstruction but some deterioration of security and only halting progress, if any, on expanding governance. A November 2007 Bush Administration review of U.S. efforts in Afghanistan reportedly concluded that overall progress was inadequate, and a number of efforts to augment the U.S. stabilization effort are underway or under further consideration. Part of the debate is over the degree to which the United States can no longer rely on additional NATO and other partner contributions but must instead add its own forces to the mission and attach to it a level of priority on par with the Iraq effort. The political transition was completed with the convening of a parliament in December 2005; a new constitution was adopted in January 2004, successful presidential elections were held on October 9, 2004, and parliamentary elections took place on September 18, 2005. The parliament has become an arena for factions that have fought each other for nearly three decades to debate and peacefully resolve differences. Afghan citizens are enjoying personal freedoms forbidden by the Taliban, and women are participating in economic and political life. However, the insurgency led by supporters of the Taliban movement and Al Qaeda continues to challenge U.S. and partner country forces, particularly in the south, and to operate in areas where there is little Afghan or international presence."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2008-01-14
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Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [Updated December 21, 2007]
"U.S. and outside assessments of the effort to stabilize Afghanistan are mixed and subject to debate; many note progress on reconstruction but some deterioration of security and only halting progress, if any, on expanding governance. A November 2007 Bush Administration review of U.S. efforts in Afghanistan reportedly concluded that overall progress was inadequate, and a number of efforts to augment the U.S. stabilization effort are underway or under further consideration. Part of the debate is over the depth and scope of partner country commitments to Afghanistan, and whether the United States should increase its own commitment rather than continue to try to persuade partner countries to increase their contributions. Uninterrupted tactical victories, such as the NATO preemption of an anticipated 2007 ' spring offensive' by the Taliban, have not defeated the Taliban to date. Contributing to the violence is popular frustration with lack of economic development, official corruption, and the failure to extend Afghan government authority into rural areas. Narcotics trafficking is resisting counter-measures and funding insurgent activity. The Afghan government and some U.S. officials blame Pakistan for failing to prevent Taliban commanders from operating from Pakistan, largely beyond the reach of U.S./NATO-led forces in Afghanistan. About 27,000 U.S. troops are in Afghanistan, of which about 15,000 are part of ISAF. The United States has given Afghanistan over $21 billion since the fall of the Taliban, including funds to equip and train Afghan security forces."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2007-12-21
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Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [Updated November 1, 2007]
"Assessments of the U.S. effort to stabilize Afghanistan are mixed and subject to debate. The political transition was completed with the convening of a parliament in December 2005; a new constitution was adopted in January 2004, successful presidential elections were held on October 9, 2004, and parliamentary elections took place on September 18, 2005. The parliament has become an arena for factions that have fought each other for nearly three decades to debate and peacefully resolve differences. Afghan citizens are enjoying personal freedoms forbidden by the Taliban. Women are participating in economic and political life, including as ministers, provincial governors, and parliament leaders. However, the insurgency led by supporters of the Taliban movement and Al Qaeda continues to challenge U.S. and other NATO forces, particularly in the south. Contributing to the violence is popular frustration with lack of economic development, official corruption, and the failure to extend Afghan government authority into rural areas. Narcotics trafficking is resisting counter-measures and funding insurgent activity. The Afghan government and some U.S. officials blame Pakistan for failing to prevent Taliban commanders from operating from Pakistan, largely beyond the reach of U.S./NATO-led forces in Afghanistan. Yet, U.S. and NATO commanders pre-empted an anticipated 2007 'spring offensive' by the Taliban with an increase in force levels, accelerated reconstruction efforts, and combat operations. […] To help stabilize Afghanistan, the United States and partner countries are deploying a 41,000 troop NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) that now commands peacekeeping throughout Afghanistan, and running regional enclaves to secure reconstruction (Provincial Reconstruction Teams, PRTs), as well as building an Afghan National Army. […]"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2007-11-01
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Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [Updated October 2, 2007]
"Assessments of the U.S. effort to stabilize Afghanistan are mixed and subject to debate. The political transition was completed with the convening of a parliament in December 2005; a new constitution was adopted in January 2004, successful presidential elections were held on October 9, 2004, and parliamentary elections took place on September 18, 2005. The parliament has become an arena for factions that have fought each other for nearly three decades to debate and peacefully resolve differences. Afghan citizens are enjoying personal freedoms forbidden by the Taliban. Women are participating in economic and political life, including as ministers, provincial governors, and parliament leaders. Despite the national political progress, in 2006 and 2007 the insurgency led by supporters of the Taliban movement escalated after four years of relatively minor violence. Contributing to the renewed violence is popular frustration with lack of economic development, official corruption, and the failure to extend Afghan government authority into rural areas. […]. To help stabilize Afghanistan, the United States and partner countries are deploying a 41,000 troop NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) that now commands peacekeeping throughout Afghanistan, and running regional enclaves to secure reconstruction (Provincial Reconstruction Teams, PRTs), as well as building an Afghan National Army, Approximately 27,000 U.S. troops are in Afghanistan, of which all but about 12,000 are under NATO/ISAF command. To build security institutions and assist reconstruction, the United States has given Afghanistan over $21 billion since the fall of the Taliban, including funds to equip and train Afghan security forces. "
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2007-10-02
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Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [Updated September 10, 2007]
"Assessments of the U.S. effort to stabilize Afghanistan are mixed. The political transition was completed with the convening of a parliament in December 2005, but since 2006 insurgent threats to Afghanistan's government have escalated. In the political process, a new constitution was adopted in January 2004, successful presidential elections were held on October 9, 2004, and parliamentary elections took place on September 18, 2005. The parliament has become an arena for factions that have fought each other for nearly three decades to debate and peacefully resolve differences. […] In 2006 and 2007, the insurgency led by remnants of the former Taliban regime has escalated after four years of relatively minor violence. Contributing to the renewed violence is popular frustration with lack of economic development, official corruption, and the failure to extend Afghan government authority into rural areas. […] U.S. and partner stabilization measures include strengthening the central government and its security forces. The United States and other countries are building an Afghan National Army, deploying a 39,000 troop NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) that now commands peacekeeping throughout Afghanistan, and running regional enclaves to secure reconstruction (Provincial Reconstruction Teams, PRTs). Approximately 27,000 U.S. troops are in Afghanistan, of which all but about 12,000 are under NATO/ISAF command. To build security institutions and assist reconstruction, the United States has given Afghanistan over $21 billion since the fall of the Taliban, including funds to equip and train Afghan security forces. Breakdowns are shown in the several tables at the end of this paper. Pending legislation, H.R. 2446, would reauthorize the Afghanistan Freedom Support Act of 2002."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2007-09-10
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Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [Updated August 9, 2007]
"Assessments of the U.S. effort to stabilize Afghanistan are mixed. The political transition was completed with the convening of a parliament in December 2005, but since 2006 insurgent threats to Afghanistan's government have escalated. In the political process, a new constitution was adopted in January 2004, successful presidential elections were held on October 9, 2004, and parliamentary elections took place on September 18, 2005. The parliament has become an arena for factions that have fought each other for nearly three decades to debate and peacefully resolve differences. Afghan citizens are enjoying personal freedoms forbidden by the Taliban. Women are participating in economic and political life, including as ministers, provincial governors, and parliament leaders. The insurgency led by remnants of the former Taliban regime escalated after four years of minor Taliban militant activity. Contributing to the resurgence was popular frustration with lack of economic development, official corruption, and the failure to extend Afghan government authority into rural areas. Narcotics trafficking is resisting counter-measures and funding insurgent activity. The Afghan government and some U.S. officials blame Pakistan for failing to prevent Taliban commanders from operating from Pakistan, largely beyond the reach of U.S./NATO led forces in Afghanistan. U.S. and NATO commanders anticipated a Taliban 2007 'spring offensive' and moved to preempt it with an increase in force levels and accelerated reconstruction efforts, possibly contributing to a lower level-and changing texture-of combat than expected. However, the Taliban has responded by shifting toward the use of suicide bombings, kidnappings, and other tactics used by insurgents in Iraq."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2007-08-09
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Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [Updated June 21, 2007]
"Afghanistan's political transition was completed with the convening of a parliament in December 2005, but since 2006 insurgent threats to Afghanistan's government have escalated to the point that some experts question the prospects for stabilizing Afghanistan. In the political process, a new constitution was adopted in January 2004, successful presidential elections were held on October 9, 2004, and parliamentary elections took place on September 18, 2005. The parliament has become an arena for factions that have fought each other for nearly three decades to debate and peacefully resolve differences. Afghan citizens are enjoying personal freedoms forbidden by the Taliban. Women are participating in economic and political life, including as ministers, provincial governors, and parliament leaders. The insurgency led by remnants of the former Taliban regime escalated in 2006, after four years of minor Taliban militant activity. Contributing to the resurgence was popular frustration with lack of economic development, official corruption, and the failure to extend Afghan government authority into rural areas. Narcotics trafficking is resisting counter-measures and funding insurgent activity. The Afghan government and some U.S. officials blame Pakistan for failing to prevent Taliban commanders from operating from Pakistan, beyond the reach of U.S./NATO-led forces in Afghanistan. U.S. and NATO commanders anticipated a Taliban 2007 'spring offensive' and moved to preempt it with an increase in force levels and accelerated reconstruction efforts, possibly contributing to a lower level-and changing texture-of violence than expected, thus far. U.S. and NATO forces have also killed a few key Taliban battlefield leaders in 2007."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2007-06-21
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Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [Updated June 1, 2007]
"Afghanistan's political transition was completed with the convening of a parliament in December 2005, but in 2006 insurgent threats to Afghanistan's government escalated to the point that some experts questioned the success of U.S. stabilization efforts. In the political process, a new constitution was adopted in January 2004, successful presidential elections were held on October 9, 2004, and parliamentary elections took place on September 18, 2005. The parliament has become an arena for factions that have fought each other for nearly three decades to debate and peacefully resolve differences. Afghan citizens are enjoying personal freedoms forbidden by the Taliban. Women are participating in economic and political life, including as ministers, provincial governors, and parliament leaders. The insurgency led by remnants of the former Taliban regime escalated in 2006, after four years of minor Taliban militant activity. Contributing to the resurgence was popular frustration with lack of economic development, official corruption, and the failure to extend Afghan government authority into rural areas and provinces. In addition, narcotics trafficking is resisting counter-measures and funding insurgent activity. The Afghan government and some U.S. officials blamed Pakistan for failing to prevent Taliban commanders from operating from Pakistan, beyond the reach of U.S./NATO-led forces in Afghanistan. U.S. and NATO commanders anticipated a Taliban 2007 'spring offensive' and moved to try to preempt it with an increase in force levels and accelerated reconstruction efforts, possibly contributing to a lower level of violence than expected, thus far."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2007-06-01
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Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [Updated May 18, 2007]
"Afghanistan's political transition was completed with the convening of a parliament in December 2005, but in 2006 insurgent threats to Afghanistan's government escalated to the point that some experts are questioning the success of U.S. stabilization efforts. In the political process, a new constitution was adopted in January 2004, successful presidential elections were held on October 9, 2004, and parliamentary elections took place on September 18, 2005. The parliament has become an arena for factions that have fought each other for nearly three decades to debate and peacefully resolve differences. Afghan citizens are enjoying personal freedoms forbidden by the Taliban. Women are participating in economic and political life, including as ministers, provincial governors, and parliament leaders."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2007-05-18
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Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [April 26, 2007]
"Afghanistan's political transition was completed with the convening of a parliament in December 2005, but in 2006 insurgent threats to Afghanistan's government escalated to the point that some experts are now questioning the success of U.S. stabilization efforts. In the political process, a new constitution was adopted in January 2004, successful presidential elections were held on October 9, 2004, and parliamentary elections took place on September 18, 2005. The parliament has become an arena for factions that have fought each other for nearly three decades to debate and peacefully resolve differences. Afghan citizens are enjoying personal freedoms forbidden by the Taliban. Women are participating in economic and political life, including as ministers, provincial governors, and parliament leaders. […] To build security institutions and assist reconstruction, the United States has given Afghanistan about $14 billion over the past five years, including funds to equip and train Afghan security forces. About another $11 billion was requested for additional FY2007 funds and for FY2008. Breakdowns are shown in the several tables at the end of this paper. This paper will be updated as warranted by major developments. See also CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RS21922, 'Afghanistan: Elections, Constitution, and Government', by Kenneth Katzman; and CRS Report RL32686, 'Afghanistan: Narcotics and U.S. Policy', by Christopher M. Blanchard."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2007-04-26
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Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [Updated April 5, 2007]
"Afghanistan's political transition was completed with the convening of a parliament in December 2005, but in 2006 insurgent threats to Afghanistan's government escalated to the point that some experts are now questioning the success of U.S. stabilization efforts. In the political process, a new constitution was adopted in January 2004, successful presidential elections were held on October 9, 2004, and parliamentary elections took place on September 18, 2005. The parliament has become an arena for factions that have fought each other for nearly three decades to debate and peacefully resolve differences. Afghan citizens are enjoying personal freedoms forbidden by the Taliban. Women are participating in economic and political life, including as ministers, provincial governors, and parliament leaders. The insurgency led by remnants of the former Taliban regime escalated in 2006, after four years of minor Taliban militant activity. U.S. and NATO commanders anticipate a Taliban 2007 "spring offensive" and are moving to try to preempt it with an increase in force levels. Contributing to the Taliban resurgence has been popular frustration with lack of economic development, official corruption, and the failure to extend Afghan government authority into rural areas and provinces. In addition, narcotics trafficking is resisting counter-measures and feeding insurgent activity, and some militias remain active throughout the country. The Afghan government and some U.S. officials have blamed Pakistan for failing to prevent Taliban commanders from operating from Pakistan, beyond the reach of U.S./NATO forces in Afghanistan. "
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2007-04-05
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Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [Updated February 14, 2007]
"Afghanistan's planned political transition was completed with the convening of a parliament in December 2005, but insurgent threats to Afghanistan's government persist. A new constitution was adopted in January 2004, and successful presidential elections were held on October 9, 2004, followed by parliamentary elections on September 18, 2005. This completes the post-Taliban political transition roadmap established at the December 2001 international conference in Bonn, Germany...U.S. stabilization measures focus on strengthening the central government and its security forces while combating insurgents. The United States and other countries are building an Afghan National Army; deploying a multinational International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to patrol Kabul and other cities; and running regional enclaves to secure reconstruction (Provincial Reconstruction Teams, PRTs). Approximately 18,000 U.S. troops remain in Afghanistan to combat the Taliban-led insurgency, but the United States and NATO have agreed to shift more of the security burden to NATO during 2006. That transition will permit U.S. force levels to drop to a planned level of about 16,500 by mid-2006, although the reduction has raised concerns among Afghan officials that the U.S. commitment to Afghanistan is waning. To build security institutions and assist reconstruction, the United States gave Afghanistan about $4.35 billion in FY2005, including funds to equip and train Afghan security forces. Another $931 million is provided for in the conference report on the regular FY2006 aid appropriation (P.L. 109-102). In February, the Administration requested $1.1 billion in aid for FY2007 and about $2.5 billion in supplemental FY2006 funds, of which about $2.4 billion is to go to Afghan security force development and Defense Department counter-narcotics support efforts there."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2007-02-14
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Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [Updated January 11, 2007]
"Afghanistan's political transition was completed with the convening of a parliament in December 2005, but in 2006 insurgent threats to Afghanistan's government escalated to the point that some experts were questioning the success of U.S. stabilization efforts. In the political process, a new constitution was adopted in January 2004, successful presidential elections were held on October 9, 2004, and parliamentary elections took place on September 18, 2005. The parliament has become an arena for factions that have fought each other for nearly three decades to debate and peacefully resolve differences. The insurgency led by remnants of the former Taliban regime escalated in 2006, after several years in which it appeared the Taliban were mostly defeated. Taliban fighters have been conducting large-scale attacks on coalition and Afghan security forces in several southern provinces, possibly assisted by popular frustration with slow reconstruction, official corruption, and the failure to extend Afghan government authority into rural areas and provinces. U.S. and partner stabilization measures focus on strengthening the central government and its security forces and on promoting reconstructing while combating the renewed insurgent challenge. To build security institutions and assist reconstruction, the United States gave Afghanistan about $4.35 billion in FY2005, including funds to equip and train Afghan security forces. Another approximately $3 billion was provided in FY2006. FY2007 appropriations add another approximately $2.6 billion, including security forces funding. This paper will be updated as warranted by major developments."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2007-01-11
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Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [Updated December 5, 2006]
"Afghanistan's political transition was completed with the convening of a parliament in December 2005, but since then insurgent threats to Afghanistan's government have escalated to the point that some experts are questioning the future of U.S. stabilization efforts. In the political process, a new constitution was adopted in January 2004, successful presidential elections were held on October 9, 2004, and parliamentary elections took place on September 18, 2005. The parliament has become an arena for factions that have fought each other for nearly three decades to debate and peacefully resolve differences. Afghan citizens are enjoying new personal freedoms that were forbidden under the Taliban. Women are participating in economic and political life, including as ministers, provincial governors, and senior levels of the new parliament. The insurgency led by remnants of the former Taliban regime escalated in 2006, after several years in which it appeared the Taliban were mostly defeated. Taliban fighters have conducted several increasingly larger scale attacks on coalition and Afghan security forces in several southern provinces, possibly aided by popular frustration with slow reconstruction, official corruption, and the failure to extend Afghan government authority into rural areas and provinces. In addition, narcotics trafficking is resisting counter-measures, and independent militias remain throughout the country, although many have been disarmed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2006-12-05
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Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [Updated November 3, 2006]
"Afghanistan's political transition is proceeding, but insurgent threats to Afghanistan's government persist. A new constitution was adopted in January 2004, and successful presidential elections were held on October 9, 2004, followed by parliamentary elections on September 18, 2005. This completes the post-Taliban political transition roadmap established at the December 2001 international conference in Bonn, Germany. Afghan citizens are enjoying new personal freedoms that were forbidden under the Taliban, and women are participating in economic and political life. However, the insurgency led by remnants of the former Taliban regime has conducted numerous lethal attacks since mid-2005, narcotics trafficking is rampant, and independent militias remain throughout the country, although they are being progressively disarmed. The report of the 9/11 Commission recommended a long-term commitment to stabilize Afghanistan. Legislation passed in December 2004 to implement those recommendations (P.L. 108-458) contains several provisions on Afghanistan."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2006-11-03
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Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [Updated August 23, 2006]
"Afghanistan's political transition was completed with the convening of a parliament in December 2005, but since then insurgent threats to Afghanistan's government have escalated to the point that some experts are questioning the future of U.S. stabilization efforts. In the political process, a new constitution was adopted in January 2004, successful presidential elections were held on October 9, 2004, and parliamentary elections took place on September 18, 2005. The parliament has become an arena for factions that have fought each other for nearly three decades to debate and peacefully resolve differences. Afghan citizens are enjoying new personal freedoms that were forbidden under the Taliban. Women are participating in economic and political life, including as ministers, provincial governors, and senior levels of the new parliament. Despite the political and social accomplishments since 2001, an insurgency led by remnants of the former Taliban regime has escalated in 2006. Taliban fighters have conducted several increasingly larger scale attacks on coalition and Afghan security forces in several southern provinces since April 2006, setting back reconstruction and thwarting efforts to extend Afghan government authority. In addition, narcotics trafficking is resisting counter-measures, and independent militias remain throughout the country, although many are being progressively disarmed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2006-08-23
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Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [Updated July 27, 2006]
"Afghanistan's planned political transition was completed with the convening of a parliament in December 2005, but insurgent threats to Afghanistan's government have escalated in 2006 to the point that some experts are questioning whether U.S. stabilization efforts will succeed. In the political process, a new constitution was adopted in January 2004, successful presidential elections were held on October 9, 2004, and parliamentary elections took place on September 18, 2005. The parliament has become an arena for factions that have fought each other for nearly three decades to debate and peacefully resolve differences. Afghan citizens are enjoying new personal freedoms that were forbidden under the Taliban. Women are participating in economic and political life, including as ministers, provincial governors, and senior levels of the new parliament. Despite the political and social accomplishments since 2001, an insurgency led by remnants of the former Taliban regime has escalated in 2006. Taliban fighters have conducted several increasingly larger scale attacks on coalition and Afghan security forces in several southern provinces since April 2006, setting back reconstruction and thwarting efforts to extend Afghan government authority. In addition, narcotics trafficking is rampant, and independent militias remain throughout the country, although many are being progressively disarmed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2006-07-27
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Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [Updated May 4, 2006]
"Afghanistan's planned political transition was completed with the convening of a parliament in December 2005, but insurgent threats to Afghanistan's government persist and are even growing in some southern provinces. A new constitution was adopted in January 2004, and successful presidential elections were held on October 9, 2004, followed by parliamentary elections on September 18, 2005. In April 2006, the parliament reviewed and then confirmed 20 out of the 25 nominees to a new Karzai cabinet. This largely completed the post-Taliban political transition roadmap established at the December 2001 international conference in Bonn, Germany. Afghan citizens are enjoying new personal freedoms that were forbidden under the Taliban. Women are participating in economic and political life, including as ministers, provincial governors, and senior levels of the new parliament. However, the insurgency led by remnants of the former Taliban regime has conducted numerous lethal attacks since mid-2005, narcotics trafficking is rampant, and independent militias remain throughout the country, although they are being progressively disarmed. […] To build security institutions and assist reconstruction, the United States gave Afghanistan about $4.35 billion in FY2005, including funds to equip and train Afghan security forces. About $931 million is provided for in the conference report on the regular FY2006 aid appropriation (P.L. 109-102). In February, the Administration requested $1.1 billion in aid for FY2007 and about $2.5 billion in supplemental FY2006 funds, of which about $2.4 billion is to go to Afghan security force development and Defense Department counter-narcotics support efforts there. Both versions (House and Senate-passed) of H.R. 4939, a bill to appropriate the funding, provide most of the requested funds, although with some selected reductions. This paper will be updated as warranted by major developments."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2006-05-04
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Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [Updated April 6, 2006]
"Afghanistan's planned political transition was completed with the convening of a parliament in December 2005, but insurgent threats to Afghanistan's government persist. A new constitution was adopted in January 2004, and successful presidential elections were held on October 9, 2004, followed by parliamentary elections on September 18, 2005. This completes the post-Taliban political transition roadmap established at the December 2001 international conference in Bonn, Germany. Afghan citizens are enjoying new personal freedoms that were forbidden under the Taliban. Women are participating in economic and political life, including as ministers, provincial governors, and senior levels of the new parliament. However, the insurgency led by remnants of the former Taliban regime has conducted numerous lethal attacks since mid-2005, narcotics trafficking is rampant, and independent militias remain throughout the country, although they are being progressively disarmed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2006-04-06
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Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [Updated March 17, 2006]
"Afghanistan's planned political transition was completed with the convening of a parliament in December 2005, but insurgent threats to Afghanistan's government persist. A new constitution was adopted in January 2004, and successful presidential elections were held on October 9, 2004, followed by parliamentary elections on September 18, 2005. This completes the post-Taliban political transition roadmap established at the December 2001 international conference in Bonn, Germany...U.S. stabilization measures focus on strengthening the central government and its security forces while combating insurgents. The United States and other countries are building an Afghan National Army; deploying a multinational International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to patrol Kabul and other cities; and running regional enclaves to secure reconstruction (Provincial Reconstruction Teams, PRTs). Approximately 18,000 U.S. troops remain in Afghanistan to combat the Taliban-led insurgency, but the United States and NATO have agreed to shift more of the security burden to NATO during 2006. That transition will permit U.S. force levels to drop to a planned level of about 16,500 by mid-2006, although the reduction has raised concerns among Afghan officials that the U.S. commitment to Afghanistan is waning. To build security institutions and assist reconstruction, the United States gave Afghanistan about $4.35 billion in FY2005, including funds to equip and train Afghan security forces. Another $931 million is provided for in the conference report on the regular FY2006 aid appropriation (P.L. 109-102). In February, the Administration requested $1.1 billion in aid for FY2007 and about $2.5 billion in supplemental FY2006 funds, of which about $2.4 billion is to go to Afghan security force development and Defense Department counter-narcotics support efforts there."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2006-03-17
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Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [Updated February 21, 2006]
"Afghanistan's political transition is proceeding, but insurgent threats to Afghanistan's government persist. A new constitution was adopted in January 2004, and successful presidential elections were held on October 9, 2004, followed by parliamentary elections on September 18, 2005. This completes the post-Taliban political transition roadmap established at the December 2001 international conference in Bonn, Germany. Afghan citizens are enjoying new personal freedoms that were forbidden under the Taliban, and women are participating in economic and political life. However, the insurgency led by remnants of the former Taliban regime has conducted numerous lethal attacks since mid-2005, narcotics trafficking is rampant, and independent militias remain throughout the country, although they are being progressively disarmed. The report of the 9/11 Commission recommended a long-term commitment to stabilize Afghanistan. Legislation passed in December 2004 to implement those recommendations (P.L. 108-458) contains several provisions on Afghanistan."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2006-02-21
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Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [Updated January 11, 2006]
"Afghanistan's political transition is proceeding, but insurgent threats to Afghanistan's government persist. A new constitution was adopted in January 2004, and successful presidential elections were held on October 9, 2004, followed by parliamentary elections on September 18, 2005. This completes the post-Taliban political transition roadmap established at the December 2001 international conference in Bonn, Germany. Afghan citizens are enjoying new personal freedoms that were forbidden under the Taliban, and women are participating in economic and political life. However, the insurgency led by remnants of the former Taliban regime has conducted numerous lethal attacks since mid-2005, narcotics trafficking is rampant, and independent militias remain throughout the country, although they are being progressively disarmed. The report of the 9/11 Commission recommended a long-term commitment to stabilize Afghanistan. Legislation passed in December 2004 to implement those recommendations (P.L. 108-458) contains several provisions on Afghanistan."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2006-01-11
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Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [Updated August 31, 2005]
"Afghanistan's political transition is proceeding, but insurgent threats to Afghanistan's government have been increasing. Successful presidential elections were held on October 9, 2004, and economic reconstruction is proceeding. However, the insurgency led by remnants of the former Taliban regime has become more active in mid-2005, narcotics trafficking is rampant, and independent militias remain throughout the country. The report of the 9/11 Commission recommended a long-term commitment to stabilize Afghanistan. Legislation passed in December 2004 to implement those recommendations (P.L. 108-458) contains several provisions on Afghanistan."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2005-08-31
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Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [Updated July 26, 2005]
"Afghanistan's stabilization appears to be gathering strength, about three years after the U.S.-led war that brought the current government to power, but major challenges persist. Successful presidential elections were held on October 9, 2004, and economic reconstruction is proceeding. However, the insurgency led by remnants of the former Taliban regime has become more active in mid-2005, narcotics trafficking is rampant, and independent militias remain throughout the country. The report of the 9/11 Commission recommended a long-term commitment to stabilize Afghanistan. Legislation passed in December 2004 to implement those recommendations (P.L. 108-458) contains several provisions on Afghanistan. [...] U.S. stabilization measures focus on strengthening the central government and its security forces. The United States and other countries are building an Afghan National Army; deploying a multinational International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to patrol Kabul and other cities; running regional enclaves to secure reconstruction (Provincial Reconstruction Teams, PRTs); and disarming militia fighters. Approximately 18,000 U.S. troops remain in Afghanistan to combat the Taliban-led insurgency. To build security institutions and assist reconstruction, the United States gave Afghanistan a total of almost $1.8 billion for FY2004, mostly through a supplemental appropriations (P.L. 108-106). An FY2005 supplemental appropriates about $3.35 billion, including funds for Afghan security forces, and another $920 million is requested for the regular FY2006 aid appropriation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2005-07-26
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Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [Updated June 15, 2005]
"Afghanistan's stabilization appears to be gathering strength, about three years after the U.S.-led war that brought the current government to power, but major challenges persist. Successful presidential elections held on October 9, 2004, and economic reconstruction is proceeding. However, the insurgency led by remnants of the former Taliban regime is still active, narcotics trafficking is rampant, and local militias, largely independent of government authority, remain throughout the country. The report of the 9/11 Commission recommended a long-term commitment to stabilize Afghanistan. Legislation passed in December 2004 to implement those recommendations (P.L. 108-458) contains several provisions on Afghanistan."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2005-06-15
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Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [Updated May 19, 2005]
"Afghanistan's stabilization appears to be gathering strength, about three years after the U.S.-led war that brought the current government to power. Successful presidential elections held on October 9, 2004 appear to be accelerating political and economic reconstruction, and the insurgency led by remnants of the former Taliban regime has diminished significantly over the past year. The report of the 9/11 Commission recommended a long-term commitment to a secure and stable Afghanistan. Legislation passed in December 2004 to implement those recommendations (P.L. 108-458) contains provisions on Afghanistan, although most of these provisions had already formed a major part of U.S. policy for Afghanistan."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2005-05-19
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Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [Updated April 21, 2005]
"Afghanistan is a fragile state that appears to be gradually stabilizing after more than 22 years of warfare, including a U.S.-led war that brought the current government to power. Successful presidential elections held on October 9, 2004 are likely to accelerate stabilization and reconstruction. The report of the 9/11 Commission, as well as legislation passed in December 2004 that implements those recommendations (S. 2845, P.L. 108-458), recommends a long-term commitment to a secure and stable Afghanistan; most of these recommendations already form a major part of the U.S. policy framework for Afghanistan. Remaining obstacles to stability include the continued local authority of militias controlled by regional leaders and growing narcotics trafficking. U.S. stabilization measures focus on strengthening the central government, which has been widely viewed as weak and unable to control the many regional and factional leaders. The United States and other countries are building an Afghan National Army; deploying a multinational International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to patrol Kabul and other cities; running regional enclaves to create secure conditions for reconstruction (Provincial Reconstruction Teams, PRTs); and disarming militia fighters. U.S.-led forces continue to combat a low level Taliban-led insurgency, and the insurgency appears to have lost traction over the past year. To build security institutions and foster reconstruction, the United States gave Afghanistan a total of about $1.9 billion for FY2004, most of which was provided in a supplemental appropriation (P.L. 108-106). Almost all U.S. and international sanctions imposed on Afghanistan prior to and during Taliban rule have now been removed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2005-04-21
