Merging the International Security and Assistance Force (ISAF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF): A Strategic Imperative

摘要

Afghanistan has provided the International community the opportunity to demonstrate the power of democratic nations in fighting tyranny. NATO's International Security and Assistance Force (ISAF) has played a critical role in Afghanistan since the first international peace keepers arrived in 2002. The American presence under Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) has another national agenda in Afghanistan. Tension between these operations as to scope force structure and mission adds an interesting international dynamic to these military missions. The US advocates merger of OEF and ISAF with the caveat that this consolidation must have two points as a mandate: first a mission to destroy Al-Qaeda and Taliban forces and second to assist the Afghanistan government with opium eradication. Given the opposition by many European capitals to a direct combat role for ISAF progress toward a consolidated NATO command has been difficult. That being said ISAF has made progress with the Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) and the recent decision by the Alliance to expand NATO presence by over 10,000 troops is proving successful in creating a more stable Afghanistan. The merging of OEF and ISAF will provide the U.S. with the strategic flexibility to draw-down forces in Afghanistan to meet further National Security threats.