After 2014: The U.S./NATO Missions in Afghanistan

Abstract

Abstract : President Obama has formally announced the end of combat operations by the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) at the end of 2014, and has directed the ISAF to focus operations until that time on Security Force Assistance (SFA) to the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF). The question now is as follows: What strategy, support, missions, and troop requirements will be necessary to keep the gains made in Afghanistan once the ISAF withdraws. This paper will evaluate the best way forward to achieve our vital national security interests in the region to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al-Qaeda. By researching the effectiveness of our experiences in Afghanistan, the study will assess the enabling conditions for future success. Focused counterterrorism (CT) efforts from within Afghanistan, continued SFA missions to develop the ANSF, and the provision of coalition enablers to mitigate operational risk will best support our vital national security interests while simultaneously defeating al-Qaeda's strategy.