Content Type: Policy Brief / Publishing Institution: Lowy Institute for International Policy / Political Geography: Afghanistan / Topic: Conflict Resolution

Author:: Anthony Bubalo
Publication Date:: 12-2009
Content Type:: Policy Brief
Institution:: Lowy Institute for International Policy
Abstract:: President Obama's announcement of a troop surge and the planned withdrawal of the Netherlands as lead nation in Oruzgan province in mid-2010, where the bulk of Australia's military contribution operates, raise a number of issues for Australia's role in Afghanistan. In particular: the potential and perhaps unintended impact of any new lead nation on the relative improvements in security that have been achieved in Oruzgan province a possible demand for more Australian troops and greater flexibility in the way they are used in Afghanistan as the result of changes in US strategy; and the effectiveness of Australia's small but growing number of civilian and police personnel in Afghanistan.
Topic:: Conflict Resolution, Arms Control and Proliferation, and War
Political Geography:: Afghanistan, United States, and Australia

Author:: Tom Gregg
Publication Date:: 10-2009
Content Type:: Policy Brief
Institution:: Lowy Institute for International Policy
Abstract:: There is increased recognition of the importance of engaging tribes in Afghanistan, but the government of Afghanistan and the international community are yet to come up with a coherent and coordinated approach. While more effective tribal engagement won't work everywhere, there is an opportunity to engage more fully with Pashtun tribes in Afghanistan's southeast. A meaningful and well resourced tribal policy would help improve stability in this strategically important region and also help avoid any mismanagement that could make things worse.
Topic:: Conflict Resolution, War, and Fragile/Failed State
Political Geography:: Afghanistan

Refine your search