The counterinsurgency effort in Afghanistan is a story of a failure to deny sanctuary in both Pakistan and Iran. Sanctuary denial is a key component in winning the war against violent extremist organizations (VEOs)including al Qaida. With Iran occupying about 600 miles with Afghanistan, it’s ability to provide safe haven for VEOs makes sanctuary denial a major effort. Now Pakistan with its border of 1640 miles has emerged as an unreliable partner in sanctuary denial.
We have sent Pakistan $20.7 billion worth of US assistance over the past decade to help the government of Pakistan overcome the political, economic, and security challenges that threatened its long-term stability. We hoped that Pakistan would have reciprocated with their cooperation. Instead they have far from cooperated and have used that aid to threaten India.
The Obama Regime, with its State Department under the leadership of Hillary Clinton has been ineffective to accomplish the one key requirement of counterinsurgency; that of sanctuary denial.
Excellant post.You have most likely read a lot about counter insurrgency...what’s an “easy” start as a book explaining the theory? ideas?