Afghanistan Weekly Reader: U.S. Plan in Afghanistan Still Unclear
Last week’s announcement that U.S. and allied forces will transition more quickly from a combat role to training and advising left many of the big questions on next steps unanswered. Afghan president Hamid Karzai said negotiations on immunity for U.S. troops are ongoing, with a decision expected this year. The immunity question is a factor in whether U.S. forces remain in Afghanistan after 2014.
From ASG
1/17/13
$28 Million Per Day for Afghanistan Reconstruction
Afghanistan Study Group by Mary Kaszynski
Regardless of the final decision on troop levels, the U.S. financial commitment to Afghanistan will likely continue. Unfortunately, over the past eleven years “commitment” meant a steady stream of money but no effective strategy for spending it.
ARTICLES
1/17/13
Military Hasn’t Pursued Afghan ‘Zero Option’
Wall Street Journal by Stephen Fidler
U.S. and NATO commanders have been asked to provide advice on what could be achieved with U.S. and allied troop numbers at various levels—but nothing on a complete drawdown, the officer said.
1/14/13
Afghans want withdrawal of village police trainers
Washington Post by Kevin Sieff
Days after Afghan President Hamid Karzai and President Obama seemed to agree on the future role of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, a division has emerged over one of the American military’s most prized defense programs.
1/14/13
Decision on immunity for U.S. troops by year-end: Karzai
Reuters by Hamid Shalizi
A decision on immunity for U.S. troops staying in Afghanistan after the 2014 planned withdrawal will be made by the end of the year, Afghan President Hamid Karzai said on Monday.
1/5/13
US pushes to finish Afghan dam as challenges mount
AP by Heidi Vogt
In the approaching twilight of its war in Afghanistan, the U.S. is forging ahead with a giant infrastructure project long criticized as too costly in both blood and money.
OPINION
1/15/13
Afghanistan in 2015
LA Times Editorial
[If] the U.S. is still able to mount an effective counter-terrorism effort without many boots on the ground, the light footprint strategy should be implemented.
1/15/13
The Afghan pullout picks up
SF Gate Editorial
A costly war is coming to a close, just as the far larger Iraq conflict did. In Afghanistan’s case, the future remains uncertain and worrisome.
