March 27, 2017
We Need More Of The Right Forces In Afghanistan
Afghanistan is at an inflection point. Again.
For anyone keeping track, this has become an annual ritual as our efforts over the last decade have been characterized by the sustained avoidance of outright failure. This point is similar to previous inflection points in that, despite previous reports of progress, the military is yet again asking for more troops – just enough to help Afghan security forces get on their feet and take the fight to the Taliban.
But before the Trump administration doubles down on doing more of the same, it is worth asking if what is needed is more troops, or rather a fundamental change in those tasked with the mission.
Read the full article at the Independent Journal Review.
More from CNAS
-
Hegseth Brings the Culture War to Combat
The fundamental challenge of military leadership lies in creating cohesive teams that can work together in an environment of mortal risk and, when called upon to do so, use le...
By Dr. Jason Dempsey
-
Hegseth Says Trump Boosted Military Recruiting. It’s Been Improving for over a Year
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says military recruiting has shot up since the Trump administration's return. In fact, it's been improving for at least a year, with big jumps i...
By Taren Sylvester
-
Pete Hegseth’s Views About Women and Military Standards
In recent weeks, Hegseth walked back comments made while promoting his book, where he said women did not belong in ground combat units. Without citing specific examples, he co...
By Katherine L. Kuzminski
-
Sharper: Trump's First 100 Days
Donald Trump takes office in a complex and volatile global environment. Rising tensions with China, the continued war in Ukraine, and instability in the Middle East all pose s...
By Charles Horn