Recommendation I: The US should actively participate in and help form a “NATO-Plus” force: more ground troops, caveat-free and an active involvement of the military in humanitarian aid and development delivery

The present number of NATO-ISAF forces deployed in Afghanistan, and the restrictive operational caveats imposed upon them by several European governments, is easing the Taliban’s position of dominance in many parts of the country. Therefore the force size should be doubled to 80,000 as soon as is logistically possible. To reach this number, each country contributing to ISAF should make a troop commitment that is proportionate to their overall economic capacity.

As part of “NATO Plus” the United States should play a leading role within the Atlantic Alliance to create a new balance between military and humanitarian efforts within the stabilisation strategy for Afghanistan. Economic-focused humanitarian interventions should be placed at the core of military planning as a way to pursue an effective hearts and minds strategy. The core challenge is to show the people that the international community is addressing their most basic needs. So far, the failure to do so has given the Taliban a strategic advantage over international troops. A focus on economic humanitarian aid will defuse tensions and create support for the international presence and the central government within rural communities. It will also reduce the growing control that the Taliban exert over those communities, making the US troops’ missions safer.

Recommendation II: Increase support for Pakistan’s security forces through training and limited US special forces’ operations.

Part of the new “NATO Plus” concept should be an increased focus on Pakistan and the border regions between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The United States should increase its support for Pakistan’s security forces, increase the number of limited operations of US Special Forces and train specialized Pakistani forces in the crucial border areas and tribal zones within Pakistan. This is the only way to cut off the life support, flow of Taliban recruits and supplies entering Afghanistan. Moreover, specialized US forces should be deployed at the major border crossings.

Recommendation III: Help the Afghan Government establish Neighborhood Security Groups

Similar to its policy in Iraq, the United States should actively support setting up Neighborhood Security Groups, which are committees that offer local populations an outlet to discuss their concerns regarding security issues. Composed of village elders, indigenous and international security forces, and representatives from regional and central government, Neighborhood Security Groups will host ´security jirgas’, building confidence among local communities that their voice is being heard by key local, regional and international players. If utilized correctly, they will establish a grassroots information channel that will capture additional intelligence about Taliban operations at the village level – information that US troops on the ground are in need of.