DOD Releases Report on Status of War in Afghanistan

The United States Department of Defense (DoD) released their semiannual report on the current status of the ongoing war in Afghanistan. The report covers events from the first half of the year and highlights the “principal goal” of the United States “to conclude the war in Afghanistan”. As outlined in the report, the United States is working with the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) “to bring the Taliban to the bargaining table and to provide strong incentives for them to engage in meaningful negotiations with the U.S. and Afghan governments.” The United States Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad “remains engaged in talks with the Taliban” while the ANDSF “continued to improve its ability to fight the insurgents… [and] have gone to unprecedented lengths to limit civilian casualties.” The report notes, however, that even if a successful settlement “with the Taliban emerges from ongoing talks, [Al-Qa’ida and ISIS]… will constitute a substantial threat to the Afghan government and its citizens, as well as to the United States.”

1. https://dod.defense.gov/News/News-Releases/News-Release-View/Article/1904051/dod-releases-report-on-enhancing-security-and-stability-in-afghanistan/
2. https://media.defense.gov/2019/Jul/12/2002156816/-1/-1/1/ENHANCING-SECURITY-AND-STABILITY-IN-AFGHANISTAN.PDF