Aspiration and Ambivalence

" Aspiration and Ambivalence is an eminently readable blend of broad perspective and detailed fieldwork. An up-to-date and unflinchingly accurate account of where we are in Afghanistan, how we got there, and what is at stake. Its recommendations are soberly realistic. This is must reading for those trying to find the way ahead." --Ronald E. Neumann, former U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan (2005-07) "This important book, based on personal observation and careful research, is unsparing in its critique of recent American policy, but reserves its most scathing criticism for Hamid Karzai and the warlordism, corruption, and criminality that have undermined his regime. A must read for all who care about Afghanistan's future." --Dov S. Zakheim, former U.S. under secretary of defense and author of A Vulcan's Tale: How the Bush Administration Mismanaged the Reconstruction of Afghanistan

After more than a decade of great effort and sacrifice by America and its allies, the Taliban still has not been defeated, and many Afghans believe that a civil war is coming. Aspiration and Ambivalence analyses US and international efforts in Afghanistan and offers detailed recommendations for dealing with the precarious situation leading up to the 2014 transition to Afghan control and beyond.After more than a decade of great effort and sacrifice by America and its allies, the Taliban still has not been defeated, and many Afghans believe that a civil war is coming. Aspiration and Ambivalence analyses the U.S. and international efforts in Afghanistan and offers detailed recommendations for dealing with the precarious situation leading up to the 2014 transition to Afghan control and beyond. Vanda Felbab-Brown argues that allied efforts in Afghanistan have put far too little emphasis on good governance, concentrating too much on short-term military goals to the detriment of long-term peace and stability. The Western tendency to ally with bullies, warlords, smugglers, and other shady characters in pursuit of short-term military advantage actually empowers the forces working against good governance and long-term political stability.

Rampant corruption and mafia rule thus persist, making it impossible for Afghans to believe in the institutional reforms and rule of law that are clearly necessary. This must change — otherwise, the chances of building responsive and sustainable governmental structures are slim, indeed. Felbab-Brown combines thorough research and analysis with vivid personal accounts of her time spent in the war-torn nation —powerful vignettes illustrating the Afghan aspirations for peace, stability, and sovereignty and the stubborn obstacles to securing them. ""The year 2014 will mark a critical juncture in Afghanistan's odyssey. After more than a decade of arduous fighting and political involvement, the U.S. and international presence there will be significantly reduced and circumscribed.

Although the international community has committed itself not to abandon Afghanistan as it did in the 1990s, the onus will be on the Afghan government to provide for the security of the country, its economic development, and governance that attempts to meet the needs of the Afghan people. Difficult challenges, major unresolved questions, and worrisome trends surround all three sets of processes. The biggest hole in the U.S. strategy and international...