The Complexities Of Deployment: Navigating Afghanistan Without Security Clearance

The United States and its NATO allies deployed troops to Afghanistan following the 9/11 terrorist attacks to prevent the country from becoming a safe haven for international terrorists. Over the last two decades, there have been no terrorist attacks on Allied soil launched from Afghanistan. However, the security situation in Afghanistan remains precarious, with the U.S. Department of State issuing a Level 4 travel advisory, warning citizens not to travel to the country due to the risk of armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, terrorism, and kidnapping.

Security clearances are a critical aspect of military deployments, and the absence of a security clearance can pose significant challenges for individuals seeking to serve in Afghanistan or other overseas locations. In the case of Sergeant Smith, who was deployed to Afghanistan, issues with his financial situation and delinquent mortgage payments triggered a review of his security clearance. This example illustrates the stringent requirements and potential consequences associated with security clearances in the context of military deployments.

NATO's role in Afghanistan

For nearly two decades, NATO Allies and partner countries deployed military forces to Afghanistan under a United Nations (UN) Security Council mandate. Over the last two decades, there have been no terrorist attacks on Allied soil from Afghanistan.

In 2002, Germany and the Netherlands, then the nations in command of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), requested NATO's assistance in areas such as force generation, intelligence, coordination, information sharing, and communications. In 2003, NATO assumed full command and control of ISAF, with the objective of establishing a "self-sustaining, moderate, and democratic Afghan government" capable of maintaining security throughout the country.

However, NATO's mission in Afghanistan faced several challenges. There were competing motivations among NATO members, with some contributing primarily to satisfy the United States and maintain political and military relations. This led to a lack of coherent strategy, particularly regarding the balance between counter-insurgency and stabilization operations. Shortfalls during the force generation process and operational restrictions, or "caveats," imposed by national capitals also hindered the mission. Additionally, external factors such as the threat of Al Qaeda and Taliban operations in Pakistan and corruption within the Afghan government posed significant challenges.

Despite these obstacles, NATO's role in Afghanistan had a positive impact on alliance cohesion and interoperability. The commitment of non-US members, who suffered significant casualties and incurred substantial costs, demonstrated the importance that states attach to the Alliance. NATO's integrated joint multinational military structure facilitated multinational cooperation and enabled the participation of countries that might otherwise have been prohibited due to resource constraints.

In conclusion, while NATO's efforts in Afghanistan faced challenges, the Alliance's role was significant and positive. The adaptability and institutionalized character of NATO contributed to the mission's success, and the lessons learned will inform future crisis management operations.

The US's role in Afghanistan

The Soviet-Afghan War

The US's involvement in Afghanistan can be traced back to the Soviet-Afghan War, which lasted from 1979 to 1989. During this conflict, the US backed resistance fighters who were battling Soviet occupying forces. This support was primarily in the form of financial and military aid, which helped the resistance fighters drive out Soviet forces.

Civil War and Rise of the Taliban

Following the Soviet withdrawal, Afghanistan descended into a civil war between various warlords and factions. Out of this chaos, the Taliban movement emerged as a powerful force and seized control of the country in 1996. The Taliban imposed a strict interpretation of Islamic law and provided sanctuary to terrorist groups such as al-Qaeda.

9/11 Terrorist Attacks and US Invasion

The US's direct military involvement in Afghanistan began in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which were orchestrated by al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, who was based in Afghanistan under the protection of the Taliban regime. In response, the US launched Operation Enduring Freedom, which aimed to topple the Taliban and bring al-Qaeda to justice. With support from NATO allies and partner countries, the US quickly overthrew the Taliban and installed a new government led by Hamid Karzai.

Nation-Building and Counterinsurgency

The US's mission in Afghanistan shifted from counterterrorism to nation-building, with efforts focused on establishing a democratic government, improving quality of life, and developing Afghan security forces capable of maintaining stability. This period saw the establishment of provincial reconstruction teams (PRTs) to coordinate redevelopment efforts with international organizations. However, the Taliban regrouped and launched an insurgency against the US-backed government, leading to a protracted counterinsurgency campaign.

Drawdown and Withdrawal

Recognizing the challenges and costs of the war, the US began reducing its troop presence in Afghanistan during the Obama administration. This drawdown continued under subsequent administrations, with peace talks between the US and the Taliban resulting in the Doha Agreement in 2020. The agreement stipulated the withdrawal of US and NATO forces by May 2021, which was later extended to September 2021.

Taliban Takeover and Ongoing Engagement

Despite the presence of US-trained Afghan security forces, the Taliban rapidly seized control of Afghanistan following the withdrawal of international forces. The US embassy in Kabul was evacuated, and the Afghan government collapsed, leading to a Taliban takeover. Currently, the US has shifted to a position of pragmatic engagement, providing humanitarian aid and targeted assistance while urging the Taliban to form an inclusive government and respect human rights, particularly those of women and minorities.

The Department of State Travel Advisory for Afghanistan

U.S. citizens should not travel to Afghanistan for any reason. Multiple terrorist groups are active in the country, and U.S. citizens are targets of kidnapping and wrongful detentions. The Department has assessed that there is a risk of wrongful detention of U.S. citizens by the Taliban. The Taliban has harassed and detained aid and humanitarian workers. The activities of foreigners may be viewed with suspicion, and reasons for detention may be unclear. Even if you are registered with the appropriate authorities to conduct business, the risk of detention is high.

The Taliban does not regularly permit the United States to conduct welfare checks on U.S. citizens in detention, including by phone. Detention can be lengthy, and while in detention, U.S. citizens have limited or no access to medical attention and may be subject to physical abuse.

U.S. citizens in Afghanistan in need of routine consular services can contact any U.S. embassy or consulate outside of Afghanistan for assistance, although the ability to assist U.S. citizens in Afghanistan is extremely limited.

U.S. citizens who are in Afghanistan are urged to depart immediately via commercial means if possible. U.S. citizens who are seeking U.S. government assistance to depart should email complete biographic details and contact information (email and phone number), as well as their U.S. passport number, to [email protected].

The US's commitment to relocating Afghan allies

The US has demonstrated its commitment to relocating Afghan allies through Operation Allies Welcome, led by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The operation involves coordinating efforts across the federal government to support vulnerable Afghans, including those who worked alongside US forces during the 20-year military mission in Afghanistan.

The DHS established a Unified Coordination Group (UCG) to oversee the implementation of various services, including initial processing, COVID-19 testing, isolation of COVID-positive individuals, vaccinations, additional medical services, and screening and support for individuals who are neither US citizens nor lawful permanent residents. This includes processing at pre-designated US military bases and connecting with non-governmental organisations for resettlement.

The US government is conducting rigorous security screening and vetting of vulnerable Afghans before permitting entry into the country. This multi-layered process involves biometric and biographic screenings by intelligence, law enforcement, and counterterrorism professionals from the DHS, Department of Defense (DoD), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), and other intelligence community partners.

Afghans who have completed the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) process and possess visas will be admitted as lawful permanent residents, while those who haven't finished the process are paroled by the DHS. The US government is prioritising Afghan SIV applications and relocating applicants with documentarily complete cases.

As part of the resettlement process, the Afghan Placement and Assistance Program (APA) places individuals in communities across the country, considering US-based family and friends, housing availability, community capacity, and the needs and characteristics of each case.

The US has also shifted its focus in Afghanistan to humanitarian aid and targeted assistance to meet basic human needs and prevent an economic collapse. The US has provided $775 million in humanitarian assistance as of July 2022, focusing on food security, agriculture, health, and education. Additionally, the US has supported programs to improve human rights, particularly for women, girls, and minority communities.

The US's commitment to assisting US citizens in Afghanistan

The US has a long history of involvement in Afghanistan, dating back to the early 2000s. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, NATO Allies, including the US, deployed military forces to Afghanistan under a United Nations (UN) Security Council mandate. The goal was to ensure that Afghanistan would not become a safe haven for international terrorists again. Since then, the US has been committed to assisting US citizens in Afghanistan and supporting the country's reconstruction and development. Here are some key areas where the US has shown its commitment:

Support for Democracy and Governance:

The US has supported the development of democracy in Afghanistan by assisting with voter registration, supporting domestic election observers, and providing legal experts to work on drafting the constitution and new laws. They have also helped establish Afghanistan's first multi-party legislature and provided training programs for administrators and councilmen.

Improving the Justice Sector:

The US has constructed judicial facilities, trained legal professionals, and helped codify and disseminate basic laws in Dari and Pashto throughout the country.

Enhancing Government Accountability and Performance:

The US has funded a radio network to connect the central government with remote provinces, improving communication and coordination. They have also supported grass-roots capacity-building activities by selecting and working with local Afghan organizations.

Security and Stability:

The US has contributed to the development of the Afghan National Army (ANA) and the Afghan National Police, improving security and stability in the country. The US military has also established Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) to carry out civil-military operations and security functions, helping the Afghan people help themselves.

Economic Development and Reconstruction:

The US has worked with the Afghan government to design and implement sustainable, transparent, and predictable economic policies. They have also created jobs, provided small loans to support local businesses, and improved infrastructure, such as roads and water projects.

Education and Literacy:

The US has focused on improving access to education, especially for girls and women. They have constructed and rehabilitated schools, printed and distributed textbooks, trained teachers, and provided incentives for families to send their daughters to school. The US has also established training programs for female teachers and supported literacy and community empowerment initiatives.

Healthcare and Basic Services:

The US has worked to improve basic health and nutrition, particularly for women and children, in rural and underserved areas. They have constructed and rehabilitated health clinics, provided essential drugs and treatments, and trained community health workers and midwives. The US has also distributed insecticide-treated bed nets and water disinfectants to prevent diseases.

Agriculture and Food Security:

The US has provided support to improve food security, increase cropping productivity, and enhance rural employment and family incomes. They have renovated irrigation systems, built roads to markets, and provided fertilizers and seeds to farmers. Additionally, the US has offered incentives to farmers to move away from poppy cultivation and towards legitimate crops.

Women's Empowerment:

The US has placed a strong emphasis on expanding opportunities for women in Afghanistan. They have supported women's access to education, healthcare, and economic empowerment initiatives. The US has also worked to increase women's participation in governance and ensure their rights and representation.

While the US-led mission in Afghanistan faced challenges and setbacks, the country remains committed to assisting US citizens and supporting the Afghan people. The US Department of State's Office of the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts (CARE) plays a crucial role in relocating eligible Afghans and providing various assistance programs.

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