Holding Popular Support and Buying Time - Why ISAF Must Assume the Lead From USAID Implementing Partners and NGOs in Major Reconstruction in the Contested Areas of Afghanistan

摘要

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) implementing partners and Non-Governmental Agencies (NGOs) are looked to by the International Security and Assistance Force (ISAF) for major reconstruction in Afghanistan. They are ineffective however, because security conditions keep them out of many areas. As a result, ISAF must assume the lead in reconstruction in these areas. This paper discusses how security impacts reconstruction and the correlation of reconstruction to security. It discusses why it is important to transform the environment beyond simple construction and how this has proven successful in increasing the security, economy, and popular support of the Afghan people. Finally, it concludes that ISAF must assume the lead role in reconstruction in the high threat areas where civilian aid workers do not operate and offers recommendations to achieve this goal.