Political Science Publications
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
11-26-2020
Journal
Hill Times
Abstract
The conflict in Afghanistan remains one of the world's bloodiest, with ongoing violence from the Taliban, Islamic State, and al-Qaeda. Recent attacks, including a rocket barrage on Kabul's Green Zone and a massacre at Kabul University, underscore the volatile security situation. Despite the U.S.-Taliban peace agreement, the Taliban continue to conduct significant attacks. The Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) struggle to operate independently, necessitating continued support from U.S. and NATO forces. The NATO-led Resolute Support Mission (RSM) and the U.S. Operation Freedom’s Sentinel (OFS) provide essential training, advice, and counterterrorism support. However, the U.S. administration's plans for a rapid troop drawdown have raised concerns. Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper's cautious approach was disrupted by his firing, and Acting Secretary Christopher Miller announced a reduction to 2,500 troops by mid-January 2021. Allies, particularly Germany and Italy, have warned that premature withdrawal could jeopardize peace negotiations and progress. Germany and Italy's contributions to RSM are crucial, given regional threats like Iran's support for the Taliban. The situation demands a conditions-based drawdown rather than adherence to arbitrary deadlines. The mission in Afghanistan, while receiving little public attention in North America, remains vital to global counterterrorism efforts. Future U.S. administrations will inherit the complex challenges posed by hasty withdrawal decisions, necessitating a continued international commitment to Afghan stability and security.
Notes
First published in The Hill Times, Canada' foremost foreign and defense policy magazine.