Afghanistan in 2008: State Building at the Precipice

Mullen, Rani D.

doi:10.1525/as.2009.49.1.28

Cited by 4 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 0 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…However, at least until the strategic review undertaken by COMISAF Stanley McChrystal in the summer of 2009, counter-insurgency efforts were characterised by the destruction of property, a heavy reliance on air power and high numbers of civilian casualties -aspects of kinetic operations at odds with the cultivation of local support. 76 McChrystal's shift of emphasis to greater respect for property and the minimising of civilian casualties was not a priority for his successors Generals David Petreus and John Allen. Air strikes, night raids and consequent civilian casualties have remained a feature of ISAF operations thereby contributing to widespread local scepticism over the benefits of the NATO mission.…”

Section: Localmentioning

confidence: 99%

NATO's Intervention in the Afghan Civil War

Sperling¹,

Webber²

2012

Civil Wars

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Afghanistan has provided NATO with its severest test of the post-Cold War period. The Alliance has set the end of 2014 as the target date for a withdrawal from combat operations and the consolidation of an Afghan lead in security provision throughout the country. It is an open question as to what the security situation will be once that crossroad is reached, but observation of progress since 2001 suggests that a lingering military stalemate is likely to persist unless and until a comprehensive political settlement is reached. NATO's ISAF operation has not, itself, had a mandate to affect a political solution, although its multiple efforts clearly impinge upon that goal. Meanwhile, NATO's operational mandate has proven extremely difficult to discharge. The Alliance has demonstrated a degree of flexibility in pursuing its mission, but has encountered a range of insurmountable obstacles -local, national and regional in origin.

show abstract

Section: Localmentioning

confidence: 99%

NATO's Intervention in the Afghan Civil War

Sperling¹,

Webber²

2012

Civil Wars

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…As much as one-third of the country is controlled by these factions (Dale, 2009). One specific event that exemplified this gradual Taliban resurgence was the June 12, 2008 Taliban attack against the Sarposa prison in Qandahar that resulted in freeing 1200 inmates (Katzman, 2008;Mullen, 2009). In addition, both U.S. and international assessments have continuously indicated that the Afghan government is largely failing to stabilize the country, and areas that were previously considered secure, such as in the capital of Kabul, have experienced an increase in the number of military and civilian deaths (Katzman, 2008).…”

Section: The Problemmentioning

confidence: 99%

Using Phenomenological Research to Drive Dynamic Modeling

Minami

2012

International Journal of Agent Technologies and Systems

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

One of the most difficult aspects in mathematical modeling and simulation is developing data to drive models and learning. This is particularly difficult when the subject involves intangible variables and concepts such as stress and perceptions that are difficult to ascribe a quantitative value to. This paper provides a description of how qualitative data collected during in depth phenomenological interviews with subject matter experts can be used to drive models. It also provides a case study of insurgency warfare and coalition and Afghan National Government performance during the last ten years. The U.S. government has spent more than $300 billion on the war in Afghanistan. Despite the employment of these resources, the goal of creating stability in the country has not been achieved. Twenty U.S. Army officers with six or more months of experience in Afghanistan were selected by random choice from a specific group. The participants were then interviewed to determine the meaning of their experiences in fighting an insurgency. Data analysis included organizing responses by question to identify the frequency of trends, patterns, and themes; and development of textural and structural descriptions of resource allocation and stability within the context of this study. Data was then transformed to create look-up tables that can be used to model, calibrate, and ascribe quantitative values to various variables in a dynamic insurgency model. A proof of concept model was then created to demonstrate the potential utility and power behind a model that combines the qualities of quantitative mathematical science and qualitative research methodology.

show abstract

Introduction: Including the Other Sides of Afghanistan

Snetkov¹,

Aris²

2013

The Regional Dimensions to Security

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Afghanistan in 2008: State Building at the Precipice

Cited by 4 publications

References 0 publications

NATO's Intervention in the Afghan Civil War

NATO's Intervention in the Afghan Civil War

Using Phenomenological Research to Drive Dynamic Modeling

Introduction: Including the Other Sides of Afghanistan

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About