The Way Ahead in Afghanistan
Jun 2008, Vol. 153, No. 3
By James Holland
The example of Musa Qaleh, in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, provides a vivid
illustration of a new, progressive approach taken by British forces, addressing many previous failings of the Afghan counter-insurgency. The task is simple: hearts and minds must be won, and rule of law and governance – the writ of the Afghan state – extended over the area. But there are many problems. The very presence of the forces, Afghan and British, necessary to keep order and the Taliban out, intimidates the local population. Infrastructure is dire, posing
logistical challenges. And foreign troops operate within a complex indigenous
culture that is difficult to penetrate yet of which they must be extremely sensitive. Imposing solutions and policies that sound good in national capitals will lead to failure if they do not fit easily with local reality.
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By James Holland
The example of Musa Qaleh, in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, provides a vivid
illustration of a new, progressive approach taken by British forces, addressing many previous failings of the Afghan counter-insurgency. The task is simple: hearts and minds must be won, and rule of law and governance – the writ of the Afghan state – extended over the area. But there are many problems. The very presence of the forces, Afghan and British, necessary to keep order and the Taliban out, intimidates the local population. Infrastructure is dire, posing
logistical challenges. And foreign troops operate within a complex indigenous
culture that is difficult to penetrate yet of which they must be extremely sensitive. Imposing solutions and policies that sound good in national capitals will lead to failure if they do not fit easily with local reality.
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