This study explores the nature of the insurgency in Afghanistan, the key challenges and successes of the campaign, and the capabilities necessary to wage effective counterinsurgency operations. It argues that successful counterinsurgency requires effective indigenous security forces, especially police; a viable and legitimate local government; and the suppression of external support for insurgents.
Ch. 1 Introduction 1
Ch. 2 Success in counterinsurgency warfare 7
Ch. 3 The age of insurgency 25
Ch. 4 Insurgents and their support network 37
Ch. 5 Afghan government and security forces 67
Ch. 6 U.S. and coalition forces 87
Ch. 7 Recommendations 111
App Insurgencies since 1945 135
References 139
About the author 157
Overview
This study explores the nature of the insurgency in Afghanistan, the key challenges and successes of the campaign, and the capabilities necessary to wage effective counterinsurgency operations. It argues that successful counterinsurgency requires effective indigenous security forces, especially police; a viable and legitimate local government; and the suppression of external support for insurgents.