An updated CRS report on Afghanistan has been posted. The 18-page report (R45122) published on November 1, 2018 provides an overview of the U.S. involvement in Afghanistan and the US policy on Afghanistan.
Entitled Afghanistan: Background and U.S. Policy: I Brief, the report provides by the Congressional Research Service provides members of Congress with
“. . . an overview of current political and military dynamics, with a focus on the Trump Administration’s new strategy for Afghanistan and South Asia, the U.S.-led coalition and Afghan military operations, and recent political developments, including prospects for peace talks and elections.”
The report topics include:
- Overview
- Political Situation
- Reconciliation Efforts and Obstacles
- Military and Security Situation
- ANDSF Development and Deployment
- U.S. Troop Levels and Authorities
- Pakistan and Other Neighbors
- Revised Regional Approach
- Economy and U.S. Aid
- Future Outlook
Additionally, the report provides – by way of figures – a depiction of insurgent activity in Afghanistan by district and a graphic of the control of districts in Afghanistan.
The opening and concluding sections of the report – “Overview” and “Outlook” – provide a measured assessment of the security situation in Afghanistan. The report notes that while US military officials remain optimistic that the Taliban will be forced to the negotiating table – policymakers and analysts have described the war against the insurgency as a stalemate. The report indicates that the Taliban have demonstrated considerable capabilities in 2018 and that U.S. hopes for a negotiated settlement has not transpired.
The report can be read online or downloaded:
https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R45122
