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Abstract

Experience in Afghanistan during 2005 suggests that the insurgency is not only better organized and more determined, but seems to have adopted a long term strategy. Insurgency-related violence will continue to rise in the area in 2006. Creating a more stable security environment is a prerequisite for the implementation of the processes envisioned in the post-Bonn compact. Short of being able to address the complex issue of the bilateral relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan, the implementation of a counterinsurgency drive designed to address the insurgency’s internal causes in the South, Southeast and East of the country should be made a priority by the Afghan government and international actors supporting it. This implies a need for an increase in the international presence in the country in the short term.Sébastien Trives has a Master in International Relations (Boston University) and a European Studies diploma (Université catholique de Louvain). He was Afghanistan Coordinator for the French Aid Agency (ACTED) and Head of the United Nations office in southeastern Afghanistan.