Of the many shortcomings of American strategy in Afghanistan, the trials and tribulations of Afghan police development represent a crucial, but often overlooked, piece of the narrative. When contextualized alongside monumental challenges and rare glimmers of hope, the legacy of Afghan policing also imparts lessons relevant, not just for the future of Afghanistan, but state-building and stabilization efforts the world over.
Crossroads Afghanistan: Alternatives to a Forlorn Deal
Since 2001, the American objective of denying safe haven to terrorists has hinged on the need for a stable Afghan state capable of permanently countering such threats. This objective has been complicated by the Taliban-led insurgency, which has allied and integrated with transnational terror organizations. Frustrated with open-ended international commitments, the Trump administration has pinned its Afghanistan policy on military withdrawal and expeditious negotiations with the Taliban.