The security situation in Afghanistan is complex and characterised by considerable local and regional differences, and compounded by criminal activity related to the drug economy. The situation is especially challenging in the south and east. This part of the country has traditionally been a core area for the Taliban. Today it is particularly vulnerable due to insurgency, regional tensions and virtually uncontrolled border traffic. Also in the north the political situation seems to be more volatile although the threats there are more related to crime, factional fighting and illegal armed groups. The deteriorating security situation is an obstacle to democratisation, reconstruction and development.
ISAF
The NATO-led International Stabilisation Assistance Force (ISAF) is playing a key role in stabilising Afghanistan. ISAF's primary role is to support the Government of Afghanistan (GoA) in providing and maintaining a secure environment in order to facilitate reconstruction and development in Afghanistan. ISAF is here at the request of the Government of Afghanistan and operates under a UN Security Council mandate with the full support of the international community. The ISAF operation facilitates good governance, capacity-building in the public sector, and social and economic development. NATO’s focus on a Comprehensive Approach should enhance these efforts by strengthening cooperation with other international organisations and local actors in planning and implementation. ISAF was established in accordance with the Bonn Agreement of 6 December 2001, and since August 2003, ISAF is supported and led by NATO. On 12 September 2006, the UN Security Council decided to extend ISAF's mandate by yet another year. In June and September 2006, the North Atlantic Council (NAC) extended ISAF's area of operation first to Southern Afghanistan and then to the eastern part of the country, to cover the whole of Afghanistan. Some 40,000 NATO-led forces are currently assisting the Afghan government in extending and exercising its authority.
Military helicopters and local trucks. Photo:M.Dyrud
The ISAF operation in Afghanistan is Norway’s main priority in terms of international military commitment. Norway currently contributes about 700 military personnel to ISAF. This includes a battalion-sized Quick Reaction Force (QRF) based in Mazar-e-Sharif and the Norwegian-led Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Maimana. Norway assumed lead-nation responsibility for the operation of Kabul International Airport (KAIA) on 1 April 2007 for a six-month period. Furthermore, Norway has deployed a Special Forces Task Group to the Kabul area that will redeploy late September 2007. The Norwegian National Contingent Commander, with supporting capabilities, is stationed in Mazar-e-Sharif. Norway provides officers to two of ISAF’s Operational Mentoring and Liaison Teams (OMLTs) in Northern Afghanistan, and has recently decided to increase the contributions to training and equipping the Afghan National Army (ANA).
DDR/DIAG
Additonally, Norway has also been closely involved in other ways to improve security and stability in Afghanistan. Important programmes where Norway has been contributing is the DDR (Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration of the old Afghan security troops in the new Afghan army or other civil jobs) and DIAG process (Disbandment of Illegal Armed Groups). The DDR programme has ended but the DIAG process is today in a critical phase. There are an estimated 1800-2000 of these illegal armed groups throughout the country, mostly a legacy of the the almost 30 years of war. The DIAG programme aims to disarm and disband these groups and try to reintegrate them back into society. Other important areas for special attention of Norway is mine clearance, weapon and ammunition destruction and training of the Afghan police force (ANP) through the Norwegian police project and the European Police mission (EUPOL).
Norwegian Embassy