March 27, 2017
We Need More Of The Right Forces In Afghanistan
Afghanistan is at an inflection point. Again.
For anyone keeping track, this has become an annual ritual as our efforts over the last decade have been characterized by the sustained avoidance of outright failure. This point is similar to previous inflection points in that, despite previous reports of progress, the military is yet again asking for more troops – just enough to help Afghan security forces get on their feet and take the fight to the Taliban.
But before the Trump administration doubles down on doing more of the same, it is worth asking if what is needed is more troops, or rather a fundamental change in those tasked with the mission.
Read the full article at the Independent Journal Review.
More from CNAS
-
Episode 7: The Future Hands Shaping the U.S.’s Unmanned Arsenal
Podcast
How is the U.S. responding to unmanned innovation across the globe? This episode with Paul Scharre, executive vice president, Stacie Pettyjohn, program director and senior fel...
By Stacie Pettyjohn, Paul Scharre & Lt. Gen. Jack Shanahan
-
Sharper: America’s Edge
Commentary
A volatile global security environment requires the United States and its allies to develop new tactics and capabilities to deal with novel global threats. On June 3, policyma...
By Charles Horn
-
National Security Has a Human Capital Problem and There’s No Fast Way Out
Podcast
National security doesn’t really exist without the military forces and supporting civilians to carry it out. Recruitment remains a problem for the armed forces. And there’s a ...
By Katherine L. Kuzminski
-
The Department of Defense’s Breakthrough Nuclear Moment Risks Slipping Away
Commentary
Unless they act, the Department of Defense’s breakthrough nuclear moment may vanish before it really happens....
By Will Rogers
