Irregular Warfare as a Containment Strategy in Afghanistan

Abstract

Abstract : A security environment dominated by the threats of terrorism and insurgency is the new (and old) normal. For the United States this poses a wicked problem, which we cannot win, but can be managed with the right balance in strategy. Full integration of Irregular Warfare into our national policies and strategy will allow the United States to manage this enduring problem. Afghanistan serves as the most immediate and relevant venue for implementing a strategy using Irregular Warfare as the main effort. Given that the insurgency in Afghanistan does not threaten the continental United States, is not supported by an outside power, and given that the U.S population will likely resist continued expenditure of resources, it is possible to contain the insurgency in Afghanistan with irregular techniques. This approach calls for a small footprint of U.S. and coalition forces, that can be sustained long enough for Afghanistan to become a functioning state and once Afghan Good enough is achieved, an even smaller, more permanent commitment.