Strengthening Australia’s success in Afghanistan

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Release of ASPI Strategic Insight  Making it count: Australia’s involvement in Afghanistan 

The Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) today released a new report on Australia’s commitment in Afghanistan. The report, written by ASPI Research Fellow Raspal Khosa, argues Australia’s security interests are tied to the success of the International Assistance Force (ISAF) mission in Afghanistan. 

Afghanistan will become the main focus of Australian Defence Force Operations supporting Australia’s wider interests over the next year. Recently the Australian Government announced it will commit $619 million in 2008–2009 to Operation Slipper: Australia’s contribution to the ISAF armed state-building mission in Afghanistan. 

The report makes three key recommendations on how Australia’s commitment in Afghanistan can increase its effectiveness: 

  • focus on security sector reform by training competent Afghan security forces 
  • improve reconstruction and development efforts through better coordination of civil and military resources 
  • engage with Pakistan to contain cross-border insurgent activity.

 Author Raspal Khosa contends the only way to expedite our withdrawal and protect our interests is to work towards a sustainable, democratic and secure Afghanistan.