The document discusses the key events and challenges facing Afghanistan in early 2014, including the upcoming national election on April 5th. It summarizes that the Afghan National Security Forces have improved but still require support, and that the signing of a Bilateral Security Agreement would provide stability. However, uncertainty remains due to delays in signing the agreement and the Taliban threat persists. Overall the election and continued international assistance will be decisive for Afghanistan's future stability and security transition.
Summer of 2012 Narrative in Support of the ISAF Mission Narrative 06 Aug 2012Scott Sadler
The document summarizes the progress and capabilities of the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) in securing Afghanistan with limited Coalition support. It outlines that the ANSF has grown to over 337,000 troops and is taking the lead in counterinsurgency operations. The insurgency faces pressure from a better trained and equipped ANSF that is representing all ethnic groups and increasing literacy. While challenges remain, the transition of security responsibilities to the ANSF is allowing Afghans to return home and shape their own future with less Coalition involvement.
This report assesses U.S. and Coalition efforts to develop the Afghan Local Police (ALP) program. It finds that while progress has been made in some areas, challenges remain. Key challenges include a lack of planning for making ALP an enduring program, insufficient Coalition forces to support expansion, and poor communication between Coalition partners. The report provides 14 recommendations to address these challenges and ensure the effective development and implementation of the ALP.
This document discusses defining success in Afghanistan. It argues that success is establishing a stable political order, security situation, and indigenous security forces that can prevent Afghanistan from being a safe haven for terrorists with reduced international support. While progress has been made in security, political progress has been slower. Improvements to Afghan governance through greater local participation are needed. Challenges include corruption, Pakistani sanctuaries for insurgent groups, and the seasonal nature of the conflict means the true test of progress will come in summer 2011. Continued support for the current strategy is recommended.
This document is a statement signed by 43 Indian military veterans addressing concerns over recent clashes between Indian and Chinese forces in Ladakh. It urges the Indian government and military leadership to take several actions, including conducting a fact-finding investigation, releasing historical reports on past conflicts with China, prioritizing indigenous development to reduce foreign dependence, and pursuing political solutions with neighbors over military ones. The veterans pledge their continued support for India in dealing with Chinese aggression.
The document discusses the Combined Team approach between the Afghan National Security Forces and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. Key points:
[1] The Combined Team approach aims to integrate Afghan and coalition forces through embedded partnering, combined planning and operations, and unity of command and effort. This represents a renewed commitment to building the Afghan security forces and protecting the Afghan people.
[2] Operation OMID is the first major operation planned using the Combined Team approach. It involved 50 days of intensive planning by Afghan and coalition forces to develop an 18-month framework for population-centric counterinsurgency operations.
[3] The Combined Team approach is paying dividends through unprecedented integration of Afghan and coalition forces at
This one sentence document does not provide enough context or information to create an accurate 3 sentence summary. The document contains only one word - "Lorem" - which is not meaningful on its own.
This document advertises a book called "Discover Torch Enameling" which teaches readers how to do torch enameling through 25 jewelry projects. The book shows simple enameling techniques and basic metalworking skills to make colorful bracelets, necklaces, earrings and pendants. Written in a fun and engaging style, it provides beginners the skills needed to get started with torch enameling.
Summer of 2012 Narrative in Support of the ISAF Mission Narrative 06 Aug 2012Scott Sadler
The document summarizes the progress and capabilities of the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) in securing Afghanistan with limited Coalition support. It outlines that the ANSF has grown to over 337,000 troops and is taking the lead in counterinsurgency operations. The insurgency faces pressure from a better trained and equipped ANSF that is representing all ethnic groups and increasing literacy. While challenges remain, the transition of security responsibilities to the ANSF is allowing Afghans to return home and shape their own future with less Coalition involvement.
This report assesses U.S. and Coalition efforts to develop the Afghan Local Police (ALP) program. It finds that while progress has been made in some areas, challenges remain. Key challenges include a lack of planning for making ALP an enduring program, insufficient Coalition forces to support expansion, and poor communication between Coalition partners. The report provides 14 recommendations to address these challenges and ensure the effective development and implementation of the ALP.
This document discusses defining success in Afghanistan. It argues that success is establishing a stable political order, security situation, and indigenous security forces that can prevent Afghanistan from being a safe haven for terrorists with reduced international support. While progress has been made in security, political progress has been slower. Improvements to Afghan governance through greater local participation are needed. Challenges include corruption, Pakistani sanctuaries for insurgent groups, and the seasonal nature of the conflict means the true test of progress will come in summer 2011. Continued support for the current strategy is recommended.
This document is a statement signed by 43 Indian military veterans addressing concerns over recent clashes between Indian and Chinese forces in Ladakh. It urges the Indian government and military leadership to take several actions, including conducting a fact-finding investigation, releasing historical reports on past conflicts with China, prioritizing indigenous development to reduce foreign dependence, and pursuing political solutions with neighbors over military ones. The veterans pledge their continued support for India in dealing with Chinese aggression.
The document discusses the Combined Team approach between the Afghan National Security Forces and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. Key points:
[1] The Combined Team approach aims to integrate Afghan and coalition forces through embedded partnering, combined planning and operations, and unity of command and effort. This represents a renewed commitment to building the Afghan security forces and protecting the Afghan people.
[2] Operation OMID is the first major operation planned using the Combined Team approach. It involved 50 days of intensive planning by Afghan and coalition forces to develop an 18-month framework for population-centric counterinsurgency operations.
[3] The Combined Team approach is paying dividends through unprecedented integration of Afghan and coalition forces at
This one sentence document does not provide enough context or information to create an accurate 3 sentence summary. The document contains only one word - "Lorem" - which is not meaningful on its own.
This document advertises a book called "Discover Torch Enameling" which teaches readers how to do torch enameling through 25 jewelry projects. The book shows simple enameling techniques and basic metalworking skills to make colorful bracelets, necklaces, earrings and pendants. Written in a fun and engaging style, it provides beginners the skills needed to get started with torch enameling.
El 53% de micro y pequeñas empresas en Colombia recibieron capacitación en los últimos 6 meses para implementar el nuevo Sistema de Gestión de Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo con el objetivo de reducir las tasas de accidentes y muertes laborales. Cerca de 9,300 empresas participaron en la capacitación en diferentes sectores. La implementación del nuevo sistema será gradual dependiendo del tamaño de la empresa y aquellas que no lo cumplan podrán ser multadas.
This document provides an overview of SWOT analysis, a strategic planning tool used to evaluate a company's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. It was developed at Stanford University over 9 years with funding from Fortune 500 companies and input from 5000 interviews. SWOT analysis separates internal and external factors that could impact a business's success. It allows companies to define realistic goals, improve capabilities, overcome weaknesses, identify threats that could become opportunities, and determine strategies by matching strengths and weaknesses to opportunities and threats. A SWOT matrix compares internal strengths and weaknesses to external opportunities and threats. Examples of each category are also provided.
This document provides an observation report and recommendations on the call-out operation in Porgera, Papua New Guinea. It finds that the illegal mining population has dropped drastically to around 20 people per day and law and order has improved. However, it recommends that stakeholders such as the Enga Provincial Government strategize for a governance phase where district capacity is rebuilt and communities take ownership of mine-related activities. Specific recommendations include investigating dual roles of some councillors, scrutinizing the local Porgera/Paiela authority, and reviewing benefit payout processes that have been abused. The overall goal is to achieve long-term peace in the Porgera Valley through strong community control and empowerment.
Caso de Sucesso WK - Geológica SondagensWK Sistemas
A Geológica Sondagens, fundada em 2007 e localizada em Belo Horizonte, presta serviços de sondagem para mineradoras em diversos estados brasileiros. A empresa percebeu a necessidade de realizar seus processos contábeis internamente para reduzir custos e ter mais controle. Optou pelo sistema ERP Radar Contábil, trazendo maior controle financeiro e dos custos de cada obra e veículo.
The document summarizes a book about a girl named Lauren who was adopted but discovers she may have been kidnapped as a baby from an American family. She arranges a trip to the US to search for the truth about her biological parents and disappearance. However, her kidnappers will do anything to keep her silent. The characters are well-written and complex. The story explores memory loss from trauma and keeps the reader engaged from chapter to chapter. Overall, it is praised as an action-packed adventure story that is difficult to criticize.
Averett University has embraced social media to attract and engage with students, alumni, and the community. The university uses platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to share information about awards, events, and athletics. Averett is ranked fourth among all Division III schools for its social media presence. The sports information director believes social media is an effective way to get the university's message out and engage people. Hashtags like #averett19 and #averettuniversity help students connect on Twitter and Instagram. The university's social media use has helped promote activities and keep students informed. A freshman says it has kept her updated about campus events. Averett hopes to gain more exposure through social media.
Giornata aperta a Istuttori, educatori e propietari.
Programma della giornata:
cosa si intende per Primo Soccorso;
come fare un'iniezione al cane sia sottocutanea sia intramuscolare;
come fasciare un soggetto a seconda della zona del corpo implicata;
i farmaci da tenere sempre a disposizione per le emergenze;
Come intervenire su: avvelenamento, fratture, colpo di calore, shock anafilattico, morso della vipera, torsione gastrica, sindrome brachicefalica.
Este documento es un certificado de diplomado de cementación de pozos para Gregorys Mendez. El certificado detalla que Mendez completó con éxito un curso de capacitación profesional en cementación de pozos de petróleo en la República Bolivariana de Venezuela.
El documento describe la historia y evolución del comercio electrónico desde las primeras empresas pioneras como Amazon y eBay hasta la actualidad, donde los dispositivos móviles permiten nuevas formas de negocios en línea. También discute conceptos clave relacionados con la seguridad de la información en el comercio electrónico como la autenticación, control de acceso e integridad de datos. Por último, introduce las criptomonedas como Bitcoin y cómo utilizan herramientas criptográficas para controlar transacciones de forma segura.
1) Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is a major public health problem, leading to high rates of hospitalization and mortality in older patients.
2) Measurement of plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) or N-terminal pro-BNP (NT-proBNP) can help diagnose ADHF in patients presenting with dyspnea and compatible symptoms when the diagnosis is uncertain.
3) Elevated BNP/NT-proBNP levels also provide prognostic information, with higher levels predicting worse outcomes including rehospitalization and death.
The document provides an overview of the conflicts in Afghanistan and Syria from November 2012 to November 2013. For Afghanistan, it summarizes that NATO and the Afghan government are working to improve security and develop the Afghan security forces ahead of the planned transition of security responsibilities by the end of 2014. It notes some improvements in security but also continuing challenges, including from insurgent safe havens in Pakistan and increasing tensions between ISAF and Afghan forces resulting in more "insider attacks". For Syria, it briefly states that the conflict involves insurgents fighting the government with varying external assistance to all sides.
1) Afghanistan is undergoing a transition of security and political responsibilities as international forces withdraw, leaving the country's future uncertain.
2) Upcoming presidential elections could determine whether Afghanistan progresses towards democracy and development or returns to internal conflict as in the 1990s.
3) Reduced foreign aid following the withdrawal risks creating massive unemployment and economic chaos as Afghanistan's economy has become dependent on foreign assistance.
The 2009 Afghanistan Report provides an overview of progress in 2008 in the areas of security, governance, and reconstruction/development. Regarding security, violence increased sharply in parts of southern/eastern Afghanistan but large areas in the north/center/west remained stable. The Afghan security forces grew in capability and assumed control of security in Kabul. NATO-ISAF force levels and coordination with Pakistan also increased. Governance capacity remained limited and hampered by corruption, but the government extended its reach and international programs helped build state institutions. Reconstruction continued from a low base, with GDP growth and increased trade and pledges of $21 billion in aid at a 2008 donor conference.
The document discusses the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, where humanitarian needs are increasing rapidly due to rising civilian casualties and displaced populations, while humanitarian access is becoming more difficult. It notes that violence in 2015 caused the highest civilian casualty rate since 2009 and displaced over 380,000 people. However, international aid has focused more on development and state-building rather than urgent humanitarian needs. The report argues that future international commitments in Afghanistan must address both short-term humanitarian needs and long-term development goals in order to properly support the Afghan population.
HRRAC conducted more than twice as many surveys and in-depth interviews in order to capture a
broader range of perceptions of the security situation today in Afghanistan.
SOF, the Sahel and the African Peace and Security Architecture. Synergies and...César Pintado
This document discusses opportunities for a new EU Training Mission (EUTM) focused on special operations forces (SOF) in the Sahel region of Africa. It notes that SOF have proven effective in Mali and that a regional security sector reform is needed. It proposes a new EUTM aimed at developing African SOF, combined with establishing a center of excellence for special forces, to help address security challenges in the Sahel region in a way that is consistent with the goals of the African Peace and Security Architecture. However, it acknowledges that funding such an initiative will be challenging given the limited resources currently available from African nations and their dependence on external donors like the EU and United States.
The document provides background information on Afghanistan's history, governance, and security situation following the fall of the Taliban regime in 2001. It discusses the U.S.-led military intervention that overthrew the Taliban after the 9/11 attacks and the establishment of a new Afghan government. It then focuses on the transition of security responsibilities to Afghan forces, plans for the post-2014 international presence, and efforts to promote effective governance and economic development in Afghanistan. Key issues addressed include the insurgency, negotiations with the Taliban, regional influences, and levels of foreign aid to Afghanistan through 2017.
El 53% de micro y pequeñas empresas en Colombia recibieron capacitación en los últimos 6 meses para implementar el nuevo Sistema de Gestión de Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo con el objetivo de reducir las tasas de accidentes y muertes laborales. Cerca de 9,300 empresas participaron en la capacitación en diferentes sectores. La implementación del nuevo sistema será gradual dependiendo del tamaño de la empresa y aquellas que no lo cumplan podrán ser multadas.
This document provides an overview of SWOT analysis, a strategic planning tool used to evaluate a company's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. It was developed at Stanford University over 9 years with funding from Fortune 500 companies and input from 5000 interviews. SWOT analysis separates internal and external factors that could impact a business's success. It allows companies to define realistic goals, improve capabilities, overcome weaknesses, identify threats that could become opportunities, and determine strategies by matching strengths and weaknesses to opportunities and threats. A SWOT matrix compares internal strengths and weaknesses to external opportunities and threats. Examples of each category are also provided.
This document provides an observation report and recommendations on the call-out operation in Porgera, Papua New Guinea. It finds that the illegal mining population has dropped drastically to around 20 people per day and law and order has improved. However, it recommends that stakeholders such as the Enga Provincial Government strategize for a governance phase where district capacity is rebuilt and communities take ownership of mine-related activities. Specific recommendations include investigating dual roles of some councillors, scrutinizing the local Porgera/Paiela authority, and reviewing benefit payout processes that have been abused. The overall goal is to achieve long-term peace in the Porgera Valley through strong community control and empowerment.
Caso de Sucesso WK - Geológica SondagensWK Sistemas
A Geológica Sondagens, fundada em 2007 e localizada em Belo Horizonte, presta serviços de sondagem para mineradoras em diversos estados brasileiros. A empresa percebeu a necessidade de realizar seus processos contábeis internamente para reduzir custos e ter mais controle. Optou pelo sistema ERP Radar Contábil, trazendo maior controle financeiro e dos custos de cada obra e veículo.
The document summarizes a book about a girl named Lauren who was adopted but discovers she may have been kidnapped as a baby from an American family. She arranges a trip to the US to search for the truth about her biological parents and disappearance. However, her kidnappers will do anything to keep her silent. The characters are well-written and complex. The story explores memory loss from trauma and keeps the reader engaged from chapter to chapter. Overall, it is praised as an action-packed adventure story that is difficult to criticize.
Averett University has embraced social media to attract and engage with students, alumni, and the community. The university uses platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to share information about awards, events, and athletics. Averett is ranked fourth among all Division III schools for its social media presence. The sports information director believes social media is an effective way to get the university's message out and engage people. Hashtags like #averett19 and #averettuniversity help students connect on Twitter and Instagram. The university's social media use has helped promote activities and keep students informed. A freshman says it has kept her updated about campus events. Averett hopes to gain more exposure through social media.
Giornata aperta a Istuttori, educatori e propietari.
Programma della giornata:
cosa si intende per Primo Soccorso;
come fare un'iniezione al cane sia sottocutanea sia intramuscolare;
come fasciare un soggetto a seconda della zona del corpo implicata;
i farmaci da tenere sempre a disposizione per le emergenze;
Come intervenire su: avvelenamento, fratture, colpo di calore, shock anafilattico, morso della vipera, torsione gastrica, sindrome brachicefalica.
Este documento es un certificado de diplomado de cementación de pozos para Gregorys Mendez. El certificado detalla que Mendez completó con éxito un curso de capacitación profesional en cementación de pozos de petróleo en la República Bolivariana de Venezuela.
El documento describe la historia y evolución del comercio electrónico desde las primeras empresas pioneras como Amazon y eBay hasta la actualidad, donde los dispositivos móviles permiten nuevas formas de negocios en línea. También discute conceptos clave relacionados con la seguridad de la información en el comercio electrónico como la autenticación, control de acceso e integridad de datos. Por último, introduce las criptomonedas como Bitcoin y cómo utilizan herramientas criptográficas para controlar transacciones de forma segura.
1) Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is a major public health problem, leading to high rates of hospitalization and mortality in older patients.
2) Measurement of plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) or N-terminal pro-BNP (NT-proBNP) can help diagnose ADHF in patients presenting with dyspnea and compatible symptoms when the diagnosis is uncertain.
3) Elevated BNP/NT-proBNP levels also provide prognostic information, with higher levels predicting worse outcomes including rehospitalization and death.
The document provides an overview of the conflicts in Afghanistan and Syria from November 2012 to November 2013. For Afghanistan, it summarizes that NATO and the Afghan government are working to improve security and develop the Afghan security forces ahead of the planned transition of security responsibilities by the end of 2014. It notes some improvements in security but also continuing challenges, including from insurgent safe havens in Pakistan and increasing tensions between ISAF and Afghan forces resulting in more "insider attacks". For Syria, it briefly states that the conflict involves insurgents fighting the government with varying external assistance to all sides.
1) Afghanistan is undergoing a transition of security and political responsibilities as international forces withdraw, leaving the country's future uncertain.
2) Upcoming presidential elections could determine whether Afghanistan progresses towards democracy and development or returns to internal conflict as in the 1990s.
3) Reduced foreign aid following the withdrawal risks creating massive unemployment and economic chaos as Afghanistan's economy has become dependent on foreign assistance.
The 2009 Afghanistan Report provides an overview of progress in 2008 in the areas of security, governance, and reconstruction/development. Regarding security, violence increased sharply in parts of southern/eastern Afghanistan but large areas in the north/center/west remained stable. The Afghan security forces grew in capability and assumed control of security in Kabul. NATO-ISAF force levels and coordination with Pakistan also increased. Governance capacity remained limited and hampered by corruption, but the government extended its reach and international programs helped build state institutions. Reconstruction continued from a low base, with GDP growth and increased trade and pledges of $21 billion in aid at a 2008 donor conference.
The document discusses the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, where humanitarian needs are increasing rapidly due to rising civilian casualties and displaced populations, while humanitarian access is becoming more difficult. It notes that violence in 2015 caused the highest civilian casualty rate since 2009 and displaced over 380,000 people. However, international aid has focused more on development and state-building rather than urgent humanitarian needs. The report argues that future international commitments in Afghanistan must address both short-term humanitarian needs and long-term development goals in order to properly support the Afghan population.
HRRAC conducted more than twice as many surveys and in-depth interviews in order to capture a
broader range of perceptions of the security situation today in Afghanistan.
SOF, the Sahel and the African Peace and Security Architecture. Synergies and...César Pintado
This document discusses opportunities for a new EU Training Mission (EUTM) focused on special operations forces (SOF) in the Sahel region of Africa. It notes that SOF have proven effective in Mali and that a regional security sector reform is needed. It proposes a new EUTM aimed at developing African SOF, combined with establishing a center of excellence for special forces, to help address security challenges in the Sahel region in a way that is consistent with the goals of the African Peace and Security Architecture. However, it acknowledges that funding such an initiative will be challenging given the limited resources currently available from African nations and their dependence on external donors like the EU and United States.
The document provides background information on Afghanistan's history, governance, and security situation following the fall of the Taliban regime in 2001. It discusses the U.S.-led military intervention that overthrew the Taliban after the 9/11 attacks and the establishment of a new Afghan government. It then focuses on the transition of security responsibilities to Afghan forces, plans for the post-2014 international presence, and efforts to promote effective governance and economic development in Afghanistan. Key issues addressed include the insurgency, negotiations with the Taliban, regional influences, and levels of foreign aid to Afghanistan through 2017.
1. The first four months of 2014 will have a decisive
impact on the future of Afghanistan, setting the con-
ditions for the post-ISAF mission and the ‘Decade
of Transformation.’ The peaceful transfer of politi-
cal power as a result of the upcoming election, on 5
April 2014, will provide the necessary
strategic momentum for sustain-
ing the progress made during the
ISAF mission.
The absence of a Bilateral
Security Agreement (BSA) has in-
creased uncertainty among Afghans,
regional neighbors, donor countries
and the international
community. This lack of
certainty has also cre-
ated unhelpful hedging
behavior in the region.
Economic indicators are
apparent, such as reduced
foreign investment, lower
trade and falling gov-
ernment revenues. The
Afghan people continue
to express the need for continued, broader interna-
tional community support, evident in the widespread
Afghan popular sentiment for signing the BSA,
endorsed by the Loya Jirga.
The Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF)
emerged from the 2013 summer fighting season as
a competent and confident force, responsible for
leading the provision of security in Afghanistan; they
also enjoy the support and confidence of the major-
ity of the Afghan people. This winter, we focused
on setting the conditions for 2014 by preparing the
ANSF for the upcoming election and the fighting
season. We continue to strive to ensure that the
progress the ANSF have made thus far is sustainable
in 2014 and beyond.
Overall, surveys suggest security perceptions
remain generally stable across Afghanistan; however,
work remains to be done
and continued ambiguity
regarding the signing of
the BSA may adversely
affect these perceptions.
The signing of the BSA,
followed by the North At-
lantic Treaty Organization
(NATO) Status of Forces
Agreement (SOFA), and
the decision on the Reso-
lute Support mission, will strengthen the relationship
between Afghanistan, the United States, NATO and
its partner nations as well as provide the legal frame-
work for our continued commitment to the Afghan
people.
Commander ISAF’s Afghanistan Update
WINTER 2013 -14
2. The ANSF are almost fully-fielded and have shown
improvement in the areas of combined arms operations,uti-
lization of indirect fire systems,and organic casualty evacua-
tion. Progress continues to be demonstrated by the ANSF,
who now execute combat operations across the country,
displaying an ability to plan,support and
sustain complex operations. Furthermore,
ANSF interaction with the Afghan media
and local communities during operations
highlighted to the populace the ability of
Afghan forces to provide security. However,
progress is not evenly distributed across the
force and is not yet fully sustainable.
The Afghan Security Institutions (ASI)
and ANSF still have capability gaps,where
the requisite capability is nascent or non-ex-
istent and also developmental shortfalls
where significant further development is required to achieve
proficiency and requisite effectiveness. ASI Capability gaps
exist in planning,programming,multi-year budgeting and
execution and transparency,accountability and oversight.
ASI developmental shortfalls are apparent in logistics,
acquisition and financial management; strategic plans and
policy and human resource management. Despite the Min-
istry of Defense (MoD) and the Ministry of Interior (MoI)
making progress in both budget execution and account-
ability,critical support functions – particularly the logistics
and facilities departments – still require Coalition assistance
and are expected to continue to require support for the near
future.
ANSF capability gaps include close air support and
intelligence,surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR),while
development shortfalls exist in in command
and control,leadership,combined arms inte-
gration,training and sustainment. In partic-
ular,improvements still need to be made in
counter-improvised explosive device (C-IED),
medical,fire support coordination and count-
er-terrorism capabilities. The ASI and ANSF
continue to rely on ISAF support to mitigate
these gaps and shortfalls.
In mid-2013,ISAF completed transition to
a train,advise and assist (TAA) mission as the
ANSF took the lead responsibility for security
across the country. The end of 2013 saw ISAF change em-
phasis from unit level advising to functionally-based Secu-
rity Force Assistance (SFA) at Corps and ministerial levels,
with emphases on problem solving efforts and sustainable
relationships. SFA will remain our primary effort and focus
into Resolute Support,the planned NATO-led mission to
train,advise and assist the ANSF after 2014. These efforts,
designed to make progress sustainable,are fundamental for
security transition and will set the conditions for Resolute
Support.
Afghan Security Institutions and ANSF Development
The Threat
The Taliban-led insurgency failed to achieve its
stated operational objectives for the 2013 summer
fighting season. While ultimately, it has been unable
to exploit the reduced ISAF presence to generate
operational or strategic momentum, the insurgency
draws strength from its belief that NATO will not be
in Afghanistan after 2014. It has used attacks in an
attempt to influence the perceptions of the Afghan
people, international community, its own fighters, sup-
porters and potential donors. Insurgents and criminal
elements are still capable of projecting violence into
urban areas from rural areas, threatening freedom of
movement along major highways, contesting gov-
ernment control in some areas and conducting high
profile attacks and assassinations. Yet the Afghan
population widely rejects the Taliban, whose support
level amongst the populace remains below 15 per cent,
consequently undermining insurgent efforts to expand
influence.
Remnants of Al Qaeda and other foreign mili-
tant groups remain within the border districts, while
sanctuaries outside Afghanistan afford the insurgency
refuge. In an environment where their existence is not
directly threatened, sanctuary allows both the recon-
stitution, training and equipping of enemy forces,
such as the Taliban and Haqqani Network, as well as
freedom for insurgent leaders to plan future attacks.
2
3. ISAF personnel continue to maintain positive day-to-day relationships with
their peers within the ASIs and remain committed to working together in pursuit
of shared strategic objectives. The true strength of the relationship is demonstrated
by the lively discussions conducted between ISAF and the MoD over budgets, in-
frastructure, civilianization and maintenance; robust debate now takes place with-
out the relationship being adversely affected and positive outcomes are achieved.
Despite a strained relationship between the Coalition and GIRoA at the political
level, ISAF’s relationship with the security ministries remains strong.
Amongst the Afghan populace, three quarters of survey respondents support hav-
ing an ISAF presence in Afghanistan beyond 2014, with a plurality believing that
ISAF is helping, rather than hindering, Afghanistan’s development.
Ultimately, the ability of the Afghan government and security ministries to con-
duct a transparent, inclusive and credible election, acceptable to the Afghan people
in April 2014, remains crucial.
Partnership with Afghanistan
The election is scheduled to occur on 5 April and
ISAF is prepared to support the ANSF, including during
a run-off if necessary. With the ANSF having assumed
nationwide lead for security in June 2013, the Afghans
already have a solid foundation for electoral preparations,
which are now well advanced, relative to the 2009 presi-
dential election.
Technical aspects of the political process are already
in place with the establishment of the Independent
Election Commission (IEC), Independent Electoral
Complaints Commission (IECC) and Election Media
Commission (EMC). While stating the aim of inclu-
sive, credible and transparent elections, we should also
expect that there will be violence and other challenges on
election day.
Assessments regarding the ability of the ANSF to
successfully secure the election remain encouraging.The
Election
MoI-led planning demonstrates the vital importance
and scrutiny that election security has at all levels. Total
security forces will number approximately 425,000,
including Afghan and Coalition forces – well above
the 250,000 forces that were present during the 2009
elections.
The ANSF continue to demonstrate vastly improved
capabilities, as displayed by the security provision for
the Loya Jirga. Additionally, both ANA and ANP have
demonstrated their ability to secure election polling sites
toward the end of the period, securing multiple such sites
in Nangahar Province; these operations highlighted the
benefits of layered security, which will be used during
the election period. Although much remains to be done,
the ANSF have the confidence, capability and intent
to secure the vast majority of polling sites in the weeks
leading up to and on election day.
3
4. Redeployment is fundamental to ISAF’s efforts to
posture the force for Resolute Support and is a visual
manifestation of Afghanistan’s growing capability as a
sovereign nation,displaying that responsibility for security
is increasingly in the hands of our Afghan partners. The
gradual reduction of forces and capabilities still allow for
the necessary support to the ANSF during the election
period and the remainder of the ISAF mission. Force
protection remains a critical priority,requiring the contin-
ued dedication of ISAF resources,reducing the number of
troops available to perform SFA specific roles.
Today’s force posture is designed to support yesterday’s
TAA mission and does not fully support our current needs
for functionally-based SFA,which has seen the focus shift
Force Posture
from developing ANSF combat capability at the unit
level to ensuring that end-to-end processes are established
across at both ministerial and Corps level; in doing so we
will sustain the ANSF and deliver transparency,account-
ability and oversight. This requires different advising skill
sets,to ensure that the force is optimized for the remain-
der of 2014 and the follow-on mission. It is imperative
that,along with alterations to the current command
and control construct,nations carefully screen and select
advisors who understand the environment,ensuring the
candidates have the requisite experience,knowledge and
temperament to operate effectively in this environment.
Fully resourcing and training these forces and individuals
remains critical to continued ANSF development.
Afghanistan’s neighbors share common concerns about
the post-2014 security environment and have vested
interests in regional stability.This winter,GIRoA has
conducted a range of relationship-building activities with
many of its neighbors,including Pakistan,India,Iran and
Russia.
Our objective remains to establish a constructive and
effective relationship between the militaries of Afghani-
stan and Pakistan. During the fall,we saw some positive
political developments which provided space for the mil-
itary-to-military relationship to grow. President Karzai’s
Regional Relationships
visit to Pakistan in August was followed with a visit by
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Sharif to Kabul in November.
Leaders on both sides appear committed to developing a
military-to-military relationship.
India continues to improve its relationship with Af-
ghanistan and remains willing to provide funds and
material support for non-lethal equipment and to train the
ANSF in India.
Afghanistan’s relations with Iran continue to develop
and Russia has provided economic aid and training for
select members of the ANA.
With our Coalition presence,the ANSF will continue to improve.
As the ANSF demonstrate their enhanced capabilities during the
upcoming election and beyond,insurgents will see the contradiction
between their propaganda and reality.
Ultimately,military actions provide the necessary time and space for
renewed diplomatic and economic initiatives to take hold. The 2014
election provides an opportunity for the first democratic transition of
power in Afghanistan. The Coalition presence provides a measure of
confidence and certainty for political transition to occur and reduces
hedging behaviors that may limit or reduce participation in the election
process.
Whilst a delay in signing the BSA is causing uncertainty,once signed the BSA and the NATO SOFA will provide
the necessary certainty by setting the framework for our continued commitment to Afghanistan. Additionally,as the
international community demonstrates its continued engagement with the region,regional actors will be encouraged to
commit to real progress in relations with Afghanistan.
Looking Forward
4