Buried Mines in Afghanistan

Last week American casualties in Afghanistan passed 2,000. But with the presidential campaign in full tilt and heavily focused on domestic issues, this milestone generated less interest than some that have gone before. A rash of attacks on NATO troops by their Afghan comrades gained rather more attention.




In a Q&A, Senior Associate Sarah Chayes, who lived for most of the past decade in Afghanistan and served as an adviser to senior U.S. military leadership, takes up these issues and their implications. She argues for a sober look at the time bombs U.S. policy may be planting in Afghanistan, and for rigorous planning to mitigate the potential damage. She also assesses candidates to replace General John Allen as commander of international troops.

• How significant is the milestone of 2,000 US deaths in Afghanistan?
  
• Why has there been a recent growth of insider attacks?
  
• What are the biggest difficulties in building the capacity of Afghan security forces?
  
• What role can the Afghan local police play? Is there an alternative approach?
  
• What are the implications of the forthcoming change in ISAF leadership?
  
• How can the US most effectively foster positive engagement from regional actors?

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