War, Will, and Warlords

War, Will, and Warlords: Counterinsurgency in Afghanistan and Pakistan, 2001–2011 compares the reasons for and the responses to the insurgencies in Afghanistan and Pakistan from October 2001 through 2011.

Taliban insurgencies in both countries have grown in strength during this period, though the United States and its partners have dedicated significant amounts of time and effort to stabilize the region. Pakistan and Afghanistan represent the epicenter in this long war because machinations in these two countries led to the emergence of the first Taliban neo-emirate with Pakistan's support. The Taliban consequently harbored al-Qaeda before and during the September 2001 attacks on the United States. Al-Qaeda and affiliated armed groups now benefit from sanctuary across the border in Pakistan. The border regions between Afghanistan and Pakistan—known as the Pashtun Belt—are linked to the future stability of South Asia and to the security of the United States.

This manual examines international security studies, military strategy, and the operational art of counterinsurgency, and offers general policy and strategy prescriptions for bringing stability to this vital region of the world.