An Assesment Of Afghanistan And The Challenges That It Imposes

Surging Statecraft to Save Afghanistan -- Small Wars Journal

Small Wars Journal Op-Ed

We looked down into Pakistan in August from the Afghan border outpost of Torkham, high in the legendary Khyber Pass. Invaders have carved violent paths across this border in both directions since the time of Alexander the Great. Today, an invasion by proxy from Pakistan continues that bloody tradition.

Fighters flowing into Afghanistan from remote and rebellious western Pakistan have helped drive violence to its highest levels since U.S. forces ousted the Taliban in 2001, sparking concern in NATO capitals and anger from many Afghans who think Pakistan diverts U.S. aid dollars to the Taliban and Al Qaeda. “If you Americans are serious,” one tribal elder in Kandahar told us in frustration, “then take care of Pakistan.”

If only it were so simple. Stabilizing Afghanistan is going to require one of the most complicated exercises in statecraft undertaken by the United States in years. The next U.S. President must grasp both Pakistani and Indian motivations in Afghanistan, for these regional dynamics drive the "proxy invasion" that is undermining the coalition’s efforts there. A sound regional approach should lead the United States to re-evaluate blank-check security assistance to Pakistan; increase investment in non-military aspects of the U.S.-Pakistan relationship; and actively try to build confidence between New Delhi, Islamabad, and Kabul.

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My Comment: This post is one of the reasons why the Small Wars Journal is one of my favorite blogs. It accurately outlines the challenges that the next U.S. administration will be facing in Afghanistan.