Between Iraq and a Hard Place: Multinational Co-operation, Afghanistan and Strategic Culture

摘要

The NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) is one of the few examples of true multinational cooperation in the security field. Critics have argued that it is under strength and lacks a clear mission. Any relatively small force, of course, even with the experience and high standards of most - but not all - NATO participants, would be challenged by having to undertake peace support, peacekeeping, policing, poppy-eradication, counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, and even a major combat operation in at least two provinces, one of which, Helmand, is more than twice the size of Belgium. Multinational co-operation, however, makes particular sense in a world of fragile states and failing societies. Arguably, international involvement is exactly what is needed to prevent societal failure across the world. But to be truly effective, forces like ISAF will have to resolve certain institutional failings that have so far dogged its operations. The challenge will be even more urgent next year when the unified NATO Combined Force Command is established. This article will make some recommendations as to how present failings can best be addressed.