Our continued support of Afghanistan is vital to combating the Taliban
Thursday, 07 January 2010
Article from the PartyRoom journal | Issue 7 Summer 2009
The recent attack on Pakistan’s military headquarters by Taliban extremists must harden the resolve of the members of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, including Australia.
The efforts of the Pakistan government to repress extremists within its borders would not be assisted by any lessening of international commitment to neighbouring Afghanistan.
It is unthinkable for the Taliban to gain control of Pakistan – a nation with a significant arsenal of nuclear weapons.
It is also vital that we never lose sight of the original purpose of the NATO-led forces, which was to defeat the Taliban extremists ruling Afghanistan and who were providing Al-Qaeda with a base from which to conduct its murderous campaign of international terrorism.
Al Qaeda hijacked passenger planes and crashed them into the towers of the World Trade Centre in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, killing thousands of people.
Affiliates of Al Qaeda murdered and injured hundreds of tourists and Indonesian locals, including many Australians, in bomb blasts in Bali in 2002 and 2005.
The group has been responsible for directly instigating or supporting numerous bombings and other acts of terrorism in many parts of the world, killing and maiming thousands of innocent civilians.
In addition, the Taliban had imposed a particularly harsh interpretation of Sharia law in Afghanistan that took away the rights of women and which brutally suppressed the rights of the native Afghan population.
International outrage at the acts of terrorism and atrocities within Afghanistan let to the formation of the ISAF and the military intervention to restore security and build the foundations of an Afghanistan government able to stand on its own.
The credibility of the first round of national elections in Afghanistan this year was undermined by widespread fraud; however it is vital for there to be greater integrity in the run-off presidential election to ensure there is national and international confidence in the political process.
While cause for deep concern, the allegations of corruption pale in comparison to the situation when the Taliban ruled Afghanistan.
It is also true that the security situation in Afghanistan had deteriorated in recent times.
However, the increased efforts of ISAF, in particular through the “surge”, and the additional troop deployment from the United States as a result of the Afghanistan-Pakistan Strategic Review, should provide the necessary leadership and resources to implement an improved military strategy and nation building campaign.
At the time of writing, President Obama was considering options for a change in strategy that may have implications for Australia’s involvement.
At present, the majority of local Afghans do not support the Taliban but are currently unable to defend themselves from insurgent attacks.
The challenge is to ensure that the Taliban and insurgent groups are not joined in greater numbers by Afghanis, resulting in the Islamist insurgency evolving into an Islamist freedom struggle resembling that which defeated the Soviet occupation.
Extremist forces coming from Pakistan and foreign fighters are taking part in cross border attacks.
The Special Operations Task Group has conducted successful operations against the Taliban leadership as part of the overall effort to disrupt Taliban insurgents.
The dangerous nature of their work and the conditions under which they operate cannot be underestimated.
A necessary element of establishing Afghanistan as a state capable of defending its people and its institutions and policing its territory is to build an effective national security force.
Due to a combined international effort, the Afghan National Army and the Afghan National Police are being trained, equipped and mentored to establish the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) capable of taking responsibility for the country’s security.
Australia’s Operational Mentor and Liaison Team has been providing vital mentoring and advice to a battalion of the 4th Afghan National Army Brigade and partners with the battalion as it undertakes security operations.
Ensuring that the Afghan people succeed not only politically but also economically will assist in the battle against extremism.
Australia’s Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force (MRTF) is supporting local capacity building through major infrastructure projects, including security, health, education and other essential infrastructure.
The Trade Training School run by the MRTF is an outstanding example of supporting local communities.
The four week courses are recognised by the Afghan Government and provide opportunities for skill development and employment amongst local people, particularly young men of “fighting” age.
While the Afghan Government has had a number of successes in building the ANSF and instituting programmes in health and rural development, the Taliban’s chances of success improve if the Afghan Government is weak.
With the run-off presidential election pending, it is essential that the national government ensures there are honest and effective officials at provincial and local level and also that there is more effective delivery of basic services.
The aim of our commitment in Afghanistan must be to defeat the Taliban and to stabilise the country to prevent it from becoming a terrorist haven again.
The military objectives must be supported by civil objectives in strengthening the legitimacy of the Afghan Government through progress on the security, political, governance and economic fronts, so that the country can stand on its own.
Australia must continue to commit to the success of the international operations in Afghanistan including by reassuring the local people that we are not only committed to defeating the Taliban but also to staying the course to improve their lives.
Winning the hearts and minds of the Afghan people is essential to success.
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