Aufstandsbekämpfung + Staatsaufbau = Stabilisierung? Lehren aus Afghanistan

Abstract

The confrontation with insurgencies is a conflict scenario that is becoming more important in the 21st century. The engagement in that kind of violent conflict is, as the case of Afghanistan demonstrates, very costly in terms of political and social repercussions, welfare and human lives. The international community's reaction should be different to the one pursued in Afgha nistan. It should be based on a more thorough situation analysis, the definition of more modest objectives, and a more cautious approach to military intervention. If a complex intervention including military means is deemed necessary, it should follow the logic of sustainable peacebuilding, i.e. the longterm development of the target country has to take priority over military, geo strategic, ideological or alliancespecific considerations.