by David Malet
Download the Full Article: In Afghanistan, Less is More
Two recent developments have brought optimism to some Afghanistan-watchers. The first is the appointment of General David Petraeus as commander of the United States Forces. Petraeus is credited as the architect of the Surge of troops that brought greater levels of stability to Iraq in 2007 when all had seemed lost there, and the hope is that he can cause lightning to strike twice. The second is an anti-Taliban uprising in the Gizab district that perhaps signals a newfound willingness by even Pashtun tribesmen, the Afghan demographic most closely tied to the Taliban, to turn against it and ally with the United States. The Washington Post quoted American officials as claiming the Gizab revolt as "the most important thing that has happened in southern Afghanistan this year" and heralding a "breakthrough" if only the patterns of involvement by local tribesmen could be discerned.
Download the Full Article: In Afghanistan, Less is More
Dr. David Malet is Director of the Center for the Study of Homeland Security and Assistant Professor of Political Science at Colorado State University-Pueblo. From 2000-2003 he served on the defense and foreign affairs staff of U.S. Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle.
