2012-02-01T23:02:20Z Copyright (c) 2012, The RAND Corporation RAND Corporation http://www.rand.org/topics/afghanistan.html http://www.rand.org/pubs/corporate_pubs/CP22-2011-12.html Jan 13, 2012 Jan 13, 2012

Stories discuss world demographic trends, Afghan peace prospects, U.S. health care spending, California prisoner reentry, Latin American inequalities, global health, veterans' mental health, highway investments, teacher bonuses, and charter schools.

http://www.rand.org/commentary/2012/01/13/WP.html Jan 13, 2012 Jan 13, 2012

The Vietnam negotiations arose from a U.S. initiative, in response to domestic political imperatives and over repeated objections from the Saigon regime. By contrast, the incipient Afghan process has its roots in that society, not ours, writes James Dobbins.

http://www.rand.org/pubs/technical_reports/TR1014.html Jan 12, 2012 Jan 12, 2012

Freedom of movement (FoM) is the actual or perceived degree to which individuals or groups can move from place to place within a given environment or into and out of that environment. Focusing specifically on Afghanistan, this examination considers actual and perceived FoM for a range of groups and profiles the factors that influence them and affect data reporting in potentially misleading ways.

http://www.rand.org/pubs/research_briefs/RB9618.html Nov 17, 2011 Nov 17, 2011

Assess the demands placed upon the Army by the continuing deployments of soldiers to operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

http://www.rand.org/commentary/2011/11/06/FA.html Nov 6, 2011 Nov 6, 2011

In focusing on the Haqqani network—which enjoys little popular support in Afghanistan—the United States is neglecting the more important (and difficult) task of dealing with the Taliban sanctuary in Pakistan's Baluchistan Province, writes Seth G. Jones.

http://www.rand.org/pubs/occasional_papers/OP329z1.html Nov 3, 2011 Nov 3, 2011

Using the Battle of Wanat as a case study, the authors explore and evaluate a range of alternative technological and corresponding tactical improvements to help small unit operations in Afghanistan, particularly when the mission is to establish and protect combat outposts. The authors develop a tactical-level understanding of the circumstances and risks that a small unit faced as it transitioned from a vehicle patrol base to a combat outpost.

http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG1078.html Oct 14, 2011 Oct 14, 2011

An overview of Soviet efforts to improve and facilitate the training and development of Afghan security forces from 1920 to 1989 can inform U.S. and allied forces' current approaches to planning and operating with Afghan forces and overcoming cultural challenges.

http://www.rand.org/commentary/2011/10/07/TIME.html Oct 7, 2011 Oct 7, 2011

If the Afghan government is to have a chance of defeating the Taliban, its national-security forces must successfully leverage the country's many competing factions, village by village, writes Seth G. Jones.

http://www.rand.org/commentary/2011/09/29/REUT.html Sep 29, 2011 Sep 29, 2011

Multiple polls commissioned by independent news and other organizations consistently reveal an Afghan population that sees improvement in its well-being, has a favorable view of its government and is optimistic about its future, writes James Dobbins.

http://www.rand.org/commentary/2011/09/19/NYTU.html Sep 19, 2011 Sep 19, 2011

Without the support of U.S. troops, the Afghan government would likely collapse to Taliban forces, backed by neighboring Pakistan, writes Seth G. Jones.

http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG1066.html Sep 11, 2011 Sep 11, 2011

Security force assistance (SFA) is a central pillar of the counterinsurgency campaign being waged by U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan. An analysis of SFA efforts documents U.S. and international approaches to building the Afghan National Security Forces from 2001 to 2009 and provides recommendations and their implications for the U.S Army.

http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG1111z2.html Sep 7, 2011 Sep 7, 2011

This book examines six case studies of insurgencies from around the world to determine the key factors necessary for a successful transition from counterinsurgency to a more stable situation. The authors review the causes of each insurgency and the key players involved, and examine what the government did right — or wrong — to bring the insurgency to an end and to transition to greater stability.

http://www.rand.org/pubs/corporate_pubs/CP22-2011-09.html Sep 1, 2011 Sep 1, 2011

The 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks warrants a thoughtful review of America's progress and future strategy. In this <em>RAND Review</em> cover story, RAND experts offer perspectives on Afghan-led solutions, ways to counter al Qaeda, air passenger security, and compensation for those affected by terrorism.

http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG1131.html Aug 17, 2011 Aug 17, 2011

A sustained focus on Afghanistan at all levels of the U.S. government is needed for the United States to make the most of its limited influence on the complex Afghan peace process.

http://www.rand.org/news/press/2011/08/17.html Aug 17, 2011 Aug 17, 2011

A sustained focus on Afghanistan at all levels of the U.S. government is needed for the United States to make the most of its limited influence on the complex Afghan peace process.

http://www.rand.org/pubs/occasional_papers/OP318.html Aug 10, 2011 Aug 10, 2011

The existing subnational government across Afghanistan is too centralized and weak to fulfill two basic requirements of legitimacy: effective service provision and representation. Opportunities for improvement are outlined for international actors hoping to strengthen local government in recently cleared areas.

http://www.rand.org/pubs/occasional_papers/OP327.html Jul 21, 2011 Jul 21, 2011

Former Taliban and other insurgents provide an invaluable source of information on their previous colleagues, and can ultimately cause momentum to shift toward counterinsurgent forces. Steps can be taken to increase the likelihood of reintegrating fighters into their communities.

http://www.rand.org/commentary/2011/06/23/GD.html Jun 23, 2011 Jun 23, 2011

Most major plots and attacks, including 9/11 and 7/7, were directly linked to the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region. Travel there has been essential to improving bomb-making skills, receiving strategic and tactical guidance, and undergoing religious indoctrination, writes Seth Jones.

http://www.rand.org/multimedia/audio/2011/06/16/after-bin-laden.html Jun 16, 2011 Jun 16, 2011

On June 16, 2011, the RAND Corporation presented "After bin Laden: The United States, Afghanistan, and Pakistan" as part of its public outreach series in Santa Monica, California. The program featured senior political scientist Seth Jones, an expert on Afghanistan, Pakistan, and al Qa'ida who has worked abroad in conflict zones over the last several years.

http://www.rand.org/pubs/occasional_papers/OP322.html May 31, 2011 May 31, 2011

Iran's complex and, at times, contradictory set of cultural, religious, political, and security interests shapes its behavior in Afghanistan, to the benefit and detriment of U.S. objectives.