Source:

German Foreign Office: Security component in Kabul and surroundings [ID 1690]

"Am 4. Januar 2002 haben die ISAF (Gen. McColl) und die afghanische Übergangsregierung (Innenminister Quanuni) ein Militärisch-Technisches Abkommen (MTA) unterzeichnet, das den Status und die Rechte von ISAF in Afghanistan im Einklang mit dem Petersberg-Abkommen und der VN-Sicherheitsratsresolution 1386 regelt. Die Beziehungen der truppenstellenden Staaten untereinander und gegenüber der afghanischen Interimsadministration wird darüber hinaus durch das am 10. Januar in London gezeichnete Memorandum of Understanding bestimmt.2002.01.28 Auswärtiges Amt - Original title: "Unterrichtung des Bundestages über die im Zusammenhang mit der Beteiligung deutscher Streitkräfte relevanten Entwicklungen."

12.2007 - Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Information on the field of activity of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) ("UNHCR's Eligibility Guidelines for Assessing the International Protection Needs of Afghan Asylum-Seekers") [ID 22546]

"The mission of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) is to assist the Afghan Government in creating a stable and secure environment for the people of Afghanistan. ISAF was established by UN Security Council Resolution 1386 of 20 December 2001. It is a UN-mandated multinational force rather than a UN peacekeeping force. On 5 October 2006, ISAF assumed responsibility for international stability and security operations throughout Afghanistan, including a number of former coalition forces operating in the eastern part of the country. On 7 February 2007, ISAF force strength was some 35,460 troops, whilst an additional 8,000 remained deployed under United States-led coalition command. Although significant efforts have been made to strengthen the overall security in the country with the support of NATO/ISAF forces, the protection of individual Afghans falls solely within the responsibility of the Afghan National Army and the Afghan National Police."

Document(s): Open document

18.03.2007 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

HRW and AIHRC call to create a legal framework to regulate US-led military activities; increasing number of civilians killed in military operations ("Rights watchdogs urge regulation of US-led military operations") [ID 19346]

Document(s): Open document

02.2007 - Source: Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik

Report on failure of local non-military approach for conflict resolution; intensification of military conflict is feared ("Musa-Qala-Protokoll am Ende") [ID 19073]

Document(s): Open document

04.12.2006 - Source: UN Security Council

ISAF completed process of expanding its area of responsibility to the entire country ("Report of the Security Council mission to Afghanistan, 11 to 16 November 2006 [S/2006/935]") [ID 18607]

"The mission paid tribute to the leading role that ISAF, led by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), had assumed in contributing to security in support of the Government of Afghanistan. On 5 October 2006, ISAF assumed command of international forces in eastern Afghanistan, completing the process of expanding the ISAF area of responsibility to the entire country. The mission welcomed this newly unified command structure and commended ISAF efforts and sacrifices in the face of challenging circumstances. The mission took note of the continuing need of ISAF for adequate forces and resources to ensure the continued success of the ISAF operations. ISAF would continue to maintain its current role until Afghan national security forces and Afghan ministries no longer required assistance to provide security throughout the country. The National Security Adviser, Dr. Rassoul, noted that despite unfortunate incidents such as civilian casualties, culturally insensitive raids on houses and the arrest from time to time of innocent people, there was still overwhelming support for the presence of international security forces inside Afghanistan. The Deputy Speaker of the Meshrano Jirga, Sayed Hamed Gailani, said that international security forces would need to respect the culture and religion of Afghanistan in order to retain the support of the population. It would be critical to base all operations on solid, accurate information and ensure that trustworthy elders were adequately consulted. Afghan ministers and parliamentarians called for better coordination and increased information sharing between international security forces and the Government of Afghanistan."

Document(s): Open document

07.03.2006 - Source: UN Security Council

Report of the UN Secretary-General on political process, security sector institutions, human rights, reconstruction process, security situation and UN activities ("The situation in Afghanistan and its implications for international peace and security; Emergency international assistance for peace, normalcy and reconstruction of war-stricken Afghanistan; Report of the Secretary-General [S/2006/145]") [#46440],  [ID 1663]

"46. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)-led ISAF, continued to assist the Government of Afghanistan in maintaining security, and creating the conditions for stabilization and reconstruction, in Kabul, and the northern, north-eastern and western regions. On 8 December 2005, the NATO Foreign Ministers formally adopted a revised ISAF operational plan which provides for an expansion to the south.
47. NATO contributing nations have begun the process of gradually building up their troops in the south which will serve under the command of the Coalition Forces until the necessary capabilities are in place."

Document(s): Open document

12.12.2005 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

NATO plans expansion of ISAF to 6 southern and central Afghan provinces in 2006: Daikondi, Helmand, Kandahar, Nimroz, Oruzgan and Zabul ("Afghanistan: NATO Prepares To Move Into Most Restive Provinces") [#40484],  [ID 1664]

Document(s): Open document

26.11.2004 - Source: UN General Assembly

ISAF plans expansion into the west of Afghanistan ("Report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Afghanistan and its implications for international peace and security - Emergency international assistance for peace, normalcy and reconstruction of war-stricken Afghanistan A/59/581 S/2004/925") [#27496],  [ID 1666]

"37. Both ISAF and the coalition forces have planned the integration of provincial reconstruction team operations with the national priority programmes led by the Government of Afghanistan. Although there is a gap between plans and implementation, there is a commitment to ensure that the reconstruction work of the provincial reconstruction teams is carried out in agreement with Afghan authorities. There are currently 19 provincial reconstruction teams (15 coalition-forces teams in the south, south-east and west and four ISAF teams in the north). ISAF is planning the second stage of its expansion, which will cover the west of the country."

Document(s): Open document

11.2004 - Source: Danish Immigration Service

ISAF mandate and Provincial Reconstruction Teams ("The political conditions, the security and human rights situation in Afghanistan; Report on fact-finding mission to Kabul, Afghanistan 20 March – 2 April 2004") [#27424],  [ID 1667]

"3.1.1 The ISAF mandate and Provincial Reconstruction Teams
It appears from the Bonn Agreement, that the International Security Force (ISAF), until a national Afghan army is established, shall assure security within and around Kabul. The mandate of the force was extended on 13th October 2003 for the purpose of operating in other parts of the country. Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs), which consist of small military and civilian units started as part of the coalition forces effort to ensure stability in the country. As of 19 March 2004 there were 11 PRTs in Afghanistan of which ten are part of the coalition forces. The PRT unit in Kondoz is part of the ISAF. It is planned that the ISAF should take control over additional PRT units.
The UNAMA stated that the ISAF still does not operate to any great extent outside Kabul, despite the fact that the number of peacekeeping forces in Afghanistan seems increased. According to the Danish Chargé d’ Affaires in Afghanistan the ISAF has between 4000-5000 men.
The UNAMA informed that the mandate of the PRT units has never been clearly defined, and that PRT units operate in different ways. The PRT units can be divided into two groups: the northern group which has a stabilizing role within security, and the southern group which functions more as the military’s “gentler hand”. How well a PRT unit works depends on its resources, the local security situation, and to which extent importance is added to the security of the unit. The source did not find that PRTs are the final solution to obtain increased security in Afghanistan. However, there are examples of PRTs improving safety standards in the areas in which they operate. The UNAMA mentioned as an example the British PRT in Mazar-e-Sharif and their work in maintaining the cease-fire among the contending parties. The source also mentioned the New Zealand PRT in Bamian, which has reduced pressure on the international aid community. The source underlined that it was positive that the PRT unit has separated its military and political activities. As an example of problems facing PRTs, the UNAMA mentioned the PRT unit in Asadabad, the provincial capital of Konar, which had to abandon its work, as it could not secure its own security.
The Danish Chargé d’Affaires in Afghanistan was also of the opinion that different PRT units deal with their tasks differently. The PRT units in southern and southeastern Afghanistan are mainly dealing with the implementation of rehabilitation projects, whereas other PRT units are primarily focused on improving the security situation to create a better context for the political and economic development. The source found that establishment of PRTs was a good solution for the country, even though it is not the optimal solution.
The Afghan Interior Ministry was of the opinion, that PRTs have had a positive influence on the development in the areas in which they operate especially in connection with the reconstruction of the country."

Document(s): Open document

15.07.2004 - Source: Standard

Self-proclaimed "Anti-Terror-Fighters" arrested; they illegally detained at least 8 persons ("ISAF unterstützte selbst ernannte "Anti-Terror-Kämpfer"") [#24049],  [ID 1668]

Document(s): Open document

25.06.2004 - Source: Human Rights Watch

NATO should immediately expand its forces in Afghanistan to provide security for elections scheduled for this fall ("NATO’s Shame in Afghanistan") [#23682],  [ID 1669]

Document(s): Open document

30.03.2004 - Source: International Crisis Group

Lack of security assurances is main obstacle faced by non-militarised parties ("Elections and security in Afghanistan") [#20875],  [ID 1670]

"[...]The main obstacle faced by non-militarised parties and genuinely independent candidates, however, is the lack of adequate security assurances. "Young parties like ours won't be able to take part in the election if ISAF is not expanded to ensure our security outside Kabul", Sanjar said. "Obviously, we can't compete with provincial governors who have guns and all [other] resources under their control". Current plans call for the creation of a security ring around voter registration sites, with successive zones of authority patrolled in turn by trained police, the Afghan National Army, and either a Coalition or ISAF quick-reaction force, with medevac, intelligence, and logistics capabilities. All three elements of this security arrangement are tenuous propositions, however. Training for police officers in the German-administered Police Academy in Kabul and constables in the seven U.S.-supported regional training centres established since November 2003 will not keep pace with the numbers required for election security. The interior ministry is accordingly attempting to expedite the deployment of 30,000 police for the elections through a "train the trainers" program,a task that should be measured against the three-year timetable intended for training 50,000 constables and 12,000 border guards in the regional training centres.The ANA, as mentioned earlier, has problems of attrition and is stretched by its current deployments as presidential guard, in counterinsurgency operations in the south east, and since mid-March, in Herat, following armed clashes between forces loyal to provincial governor Ismail Khan and the Kabul-backed 17th Division. [...]"

Document(s): Open document

30.03.2004 - Source: International Crisis Group

Security during election campaign dependent on disarmament and reintegration ("Elections and security in Afghanistan") [#20875],  [ID 1671]

"[...] While the planned measures may well reduce the potential for interference during the voting itself, security during the campaign will be contingent on the extent to which DR has been carried out and international security arrangements extended beyond the capital. At present, NATO has command over both the ISAF contingent in Kabul and the Germanled Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Kunduz. Its planners hope to complete the first of a four-phase NATO expansion across the country with new PRTs in Maimana and Faizabad by June 2004. This would be substantially later than conceived when NATO ministers approved ISAF expansion in October 2003. At this time, the British-led PRT in Mazar-i Sharif and possibly the New Zealand-led PRT in Bamiyan would come under NATO authority. Phase two of the NATO expansion should be concluded by September. This entails new PRTs in the towns of Chagcharan, Qala-i Nau, and Farah and assuming command over the existing PRT in Herat (currently U.S.-led but expected to be taken over by a European country, an arrangement that may be reviewed in light of the internal armed conflict in Herat in late March and the subsequent deployment there of 1,500 ANA troops). Current and planned PRTs across virtually the entire Pashtun belt, extending from Kunar province up to the border of Farah province, will be under the authority of the U.S.-led Coalition and be staffed by U.S. army personnel. Though these eastern and southern regions are due to be covered during phases three and four of the NATO expansion, target dates have not been identified.
The approach taken by Britain in Mazar-i Sharif, and intended to be echoed by a joint Nordic PRT,involves an explicit focus on security, including patrols, support for security sector reform, and the maintaining of small detachments in neighbouring provinces. If additional PRTs along this model are established in the northern and north eastern provinces by June, they may indeed have a positive impact on security during the election campaign, even if their presence would be insufficient to guard against intimidation and election-related violence in outlying areas. (Phase two of the PRT expansion is unlikely to have a comparable impact on election security unless it is completed well before September). However, the emphasis on reconstruction projects by the U.S.- led PRTs, together with the diminished staffing levels that are reportedly accompanying their expansion,will do little to promote security in the southern and eastern provinces during the run up to elections. "It's a hearts and minds campaign for Americans, not for Afghans", a Kabul-based diplomat said of the Coalition PRTs."

Document(s): Open document

19.03.2004 - Source: UN General Assembly

Security Council authorizes deployment of ISAF outside Kabul and expands mandate for 12 months ("The situation in Afghanistan and its implications for international peace and security A/58/742–S/2004/230") [#20724],  [ID 1672]

"[...] 34. Under the command of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), ISAF has continued to make an invaluable contribution to the security of Kabul. Since the takeover by Germany of the Kondoz provincial reconstruction team on 6 January, NATO has also begun its deployment outside Kabul, as authorized by the Security Council in resolution 1510 (2003) of 13 October 2003. The recent decision of NATO to further expand its operations in Afghanistan is encouraging, as are indications that it will take over the three existing provincial reconstruction teams in the north — Mazar-e-Sharif, Kondoz and Herat — and possibly set up two more by June 2004. In the context of the upcoming electoral process, I encourage NATO to provide the help needed to the Afghan security forces, in good time for it to be most effective. On 9 March, I received a letter from President Hamid Karzai, informing me that he had requested enhanced NATO assistance during the electoral process. I have been in contact with the Secretary-General of NATO, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, to offer full United Nations cooperation in that endeavour. The recent deployment of a NATO senior civilian representative in Kabul is welcome and should enhance the excellent cooperation already existing between my Special Representative and the ISAF Commander. [...]"

Document(s): Open document
Open document

03.12.2003 - Source: UN General Assembly

Presence of ISAF contributes to security in Kabul and is well received by public ("Report of the Secretary General on the situation in Afghanistan and its implications for international peace and security (A/58/616)") [#18064],  [ID 1673]

"[...] 36. Germany and the Netherlands assumed leadership of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) from Turkey in February 2003. Following their completion of six months of command on 11 August 2003, control of ISAF was transferred to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). NATO leadership is meant to obviate the need to find a new lead country every six months and provide more integrated command and logistics support. The mandate of ISAF remains unchanged under NATO command, and non-NATO countries continue to contribute troops. The presence of ISAF has greatly contributed to the security environment in Kabul and continues to be well received by the public.
37. On 13 October 2003 the Security Council adopted resolution 1510 (2003), authorizing the expansion of ISAF beyond Kabul, which the Afghan Government and the United Nations had been urging since early 2002. The establishment under ISAF command of a German provincial reconstruction team in Kunduz (see para. 35 above) is the first deployment of ISAF beyond Kabul. It remains important for other countries to provide the manpower and resources necessary to continue to extend ISAF to the other major cities of Afghanistan where its presence is greatly needed. [...]"

Document(s): Open document

27.10.2003 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

First ISAF forces deployed outside Kabul to the northeastern city of Konduz ("First international peacekeeping forces deployed outside Kabul") [#17085],  [ID 1674]

Document(s): Open document

13.08.2003 - Source: UN Security Council

Resolution 1510 extends ISAF mandate ("Security Council Resolution 1510") [#21545],  [ID 1675]

Document(s): Open document
Open document

11.08.2003 - Source: ReliefWeb

NATO has taken a leadership role in providing security in and around Kabul in Afghanistan ("NATO takes on Afghanistan mission") [#15109],  [ID 1676]

Document(s): Open document

03.07.2003 - Source: Frankfurter Rundschau

Sondereinheiten sollen die Provinzen befrieden ("Sondereinheiten sollen die Provinzen befrieden") [#14339],  [ID 1677]

02.07.2003 - Source: ReliefWeb

Increase of incidents and accidents in the entire country reported ("Attacks in Afghanistan doubled in May: ISAF commander (AFP)") [#14010],  [ID 1678]

Document(s): Open document

17.04.2003 - Source: Frankfurter Rundschau

Nato führt ab Sommer Isaf-Schutztruppe ("Nato führt ab Sommer Isaf-Schutztruppe") [#12173],  [ID 1679]

Document(s): Open document

03.02.2003 - Source: UN Human Rights Council (formerly UN Commission on Human Rights)

ISAF not involved in extrajudicial executiions ("Civil and political rights, including the question of disappearances and summary executions E/CN.4/2003/3/Add.4 E/CN.4/2003/3/Add.4") [#10765],  [ID 1680]

"45. It should also be noted that the Special Rapporteur did not receive any information which claimed that the international peacekeeping force in Kabul, ISAF, had been involved in any extrajudicial killing. On the contrary, many sources reported that the Turkish-led peacekeeping force was conducting its work in an exemplary manner. All sources affirmed that, without the presence of the force in Kabul, it would be very likely that incidences of extrajudicial killings would be very high."

Document(s): Open document
02464afgh.pdf

01.2003 - Source: CARE International

Only in Kabul there is relative tranquility due to the presence of ISAF ("CARE International in Afghanistan Policy Brief: A New Year’s Resolution to Keep: Secure a Lasting Peace in Afghanistan") [#10422],  [ID 1681]

"Not all of Afghanistan is in a downward security spiral. Kabul remains an island of relative tranquility due to the presence of a 4,800-strong international Security Assistance Force (ISAF). But Kabul is the exception.
Despite repeated pleas from ordinary Afghans, politicians and even regional commanders, despite solid proposals for cost effective targeted peacekeeping around the country, despite the security vacuum that will exist until an Afghan security force is trained and deployed, the international community has chosen not to expand peacekeepers beyond Kabul.
Table A outlines all major UN-sanctioned peacekeeping efforts in internal conflicts over the past decade. Even these broad figures indicate that the comparative commitment to peacekeeping in Afghanistan remains a fraction of commitments elsewhere. The Americans and Europeans have blamed each other for the failure to expand peacekeepers. The US, which covers costs for the bulk of Operation Enduring Freedom, says it has no objection to peacekeeping as long as others foot the bill and provide the soldiers. The Europeans say supporting such a force makes no sense unless it integrates with the US-led Coalition, and point to US reluctance to engage in peacekeeping generally.
In December, President Bush re-ignited the peacekeeping debate by signing the Afghanistan Freedom Support Act, authorizing up to $1 billion over the next two years for expanding ISAF. CARE calls on the US Congress to now act to appropriate the full funding provided in this legislation for both peacekeeping and reconstruction. While Coalition forces continue to deter anti-government militias, their central goal in Afghanistan remains "the war on international terrorism". As long as US policy makers remain reluctant to burden Coalition forces with an explicit peacekeeping role, ISAF will remain the only military force mandated to make and keep the peace in Afghanistan. As a consequence, there is still no nationwide security force, Afghan or international, mandated to provide security outside of Kabul."

Document(s): Open document
care_afghanistan_policy_brief_jan_2003.pdf

17.12.2002 - Source: Center for Defense Information

Fact Sheet: International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) ("CDI Fact Sheet: International Security Assistance Force (December 2002)") [#30702],  [ID 1682]

"There are currently 22 countries contributing to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) - the peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan sanctioned by the UN Security Council (UNSCR 1386) on Dec. 20, 2001. These countries are: Albania, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and the United Kingdom. Croatia is also expected to dispatch troops to ISAF soon. The table below shows 4,829 troops as of Dec. 4, 2002, as well as the numbers of personnel currently committed by contributing countries.
ISAF, which works closely with the United Nations and the Afghan interim government, and acts under Chapter VII of the UN Charter carries out three principal tasks:
- Provides aid to the interim government in developing national security structures while providing a stable environment for the development of an interim Afghan government.
- Assists with Afghanistan's reconstruction.
- Assists in developing and training future Afghan security forces."

Document(s): Open document

30.08.2002 - Source:

New York Times: US Backs Increase in Peacekeepers for Afghanistan ("U.S. Backs Increase in Peacekeepers for Afghanistan") [ID 1683]

"Pentagon officials who long opposed expanding the international security force in Afghanistan now say that enlarging it and placing its troops outside Kabul may help secure the country and allow American troops to leave sooner, senior Bush administration officials said today.
The shift, officials said, may be necessary because of the lingering difficulties in rebuilding the country and establishing law and order in a nation still wracked by banditry, warlords and renegade Taliban fighters.
One senior Bush administration official described the shift as a "mid-course correction."
The change in the Pentagon's thinking is an important precondition for other nations to contribute troops for a peacekeeping effort that would extend beyond the Afghan capital, Kabul. [..]
American officials say a number of ideas are under consideration, all of which would involve American support, but not troops. They include setting up a mobile group of peacekeepers, which could be whisked from Kabul to trouble spots.
Another idea is to place peacekeepers in several cities outside Kabul, like Mazar-i-Sharif, where there are tensions between rival warlords.
A sizable deployment of peacekeeping forces in all the major Afghan cities is the least likely possibility, American officials say. The Bush administration itself has not offered to place American peacekeepers in Afghanistan.
It has also had a tough time finding another nation to lead the force once Turkey's command expires this year."

Document(s): U.S. Backs Increase in Peacekeepers for Afghanistan

11.07.2002 - Source: UN Security Council

UNSG: ISAF mandate extended until 20 December 2002 ("The situation in Afghanistan and its implications for international peace and security [A/56/1000–S/2002/737]") [#49253],  [ID 1684]

"25. In Kabul, ISAF has continued to have a very positive impact on security, in conjunction with the Afghan police and other domestic security forces. The Joint Coordination Body, bringing together the Ministries of Defence and Interior, ISAF and UNAMA, continues to provide a forum for the discussion, coordination and resolution of security issues in Kabul.
An example of the progress made in the field of security cooperation between the domestic security agencies, ISAF and UNAMA was the comprehensive security plan drawn up by these parties for the protection of the Emergency Loya Jirga. 26. In this context, I welcome the fact that on 23 May the Security Council extended ISAF’s mandate for another six months beyond 20 June. On 20 June, the Turkish armed forces assumed command of ISAF from the United Kingdom. I take this opportunity to congratulate Major General McColl and the British headquarters battalion on their steadfast performance during the first mandate of ISAF. I also express the gratitude of the United Nations to the Turkish Government and the other troop contributors for their critical and ongoing contribution to the consolidation of peace in Afghanistan."

Document(s): Open document

25.03.2002 - Source: ReliefWeb

Agence France-Presse: Interim Authority calls for expansion of ISAF beyond Kabul ("ISAF mandate should be extended beyond June 15: commander") [#30699],  [ID 1686]

"The commander of the multinational security force in Afghanistan on Monday added his voice to calls for its mandate to be extended beyond June. "It would be extremely unhelpful to end the mandate of ISAF just at the moment when you are trying to process the Loya Jirga," said General John McColl, the head of the International Security Force (ISAF). "So I would expect that it would be expanded." The United Nations Security Council Resolution 1386 set a six-month mandate for the force, which is confined to Kabul, to expire on June 15. But that date coincides with the convening of the Loya Jirga, a traditional assembly of elders tasked with selecting an 18-month transitional government to replace the current six-month administration of Hamid Karzai. Karzai and top UN officials have repeatedly called for ISAF's mandate to be expanded to allow the troops to be deployed beyond June, and outside Kabul. Some 1,500 people representing Afghanistan's 32 provinces are expected to take part in the Loya Jirga. McColl said that ISAF's German contingent is in charge of arrangements for the Loya Jirga, in particular the transport of participants from across the country, McColl said."

Document(s): Open document

18.03.2002 - Source: UN Security Council

UN Secretary-General: ISAF declared full operational capacity on 18 February ("The situation in Afghanistan and its implications for international peace and security S/2002/278") [#6057],  [ID 1687]

"The Security Council adopted resolution 1386 (2001) of 20 December 2001 authorizing the establishment for six months of an International Security Assistance Force to assist the Afghan Interim Authority in the maintenance of security in Kabul and its surrounding areas, so that the Interim Authority as well as the personnel of the United Nations, can operate in a secure environment. The United Kingdom agreed to lead this force for the first three months, and 17 other Member States agreed to participate in it. Deployment began in early January, following the conclusion of a militarytechnical agreement between the United Kingdom and the Interim Administration on 4 January. Initial operating capability (one fully functioning battalion and support units) was reached in mid-January. The International Security Assistance Force declared the achievement of full operational capacity on 18 February and now has over 4,800 troops conducting 30 patrols a day around the clock; about 50 per cent of the patrols are conducted jointly with the local police. The Force Commander, Major-General John McColl, has indicated that patrolling would be increased in order to tackle the “lawless elements” of Kabul. The return of Afghan military units to barracks has progressed smoothly, and there are only small groups remaining outside designated army quarters. The Ministry of Defence said it has told these soldiers to move to barracks very soon."

Document(s): 02216afgh.pdf

15.03.2002 - Source: ReliefWeb

UN Security Council: Activities of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan ("Report on the activities of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan") [#30701],  [ID 1688]

"Since arriving in Afghanistan, ISAF has established good relations with all elements of the Interim Administration, through both the Joint Coordination Board (between ISAF, the Interim Administration and the United Nations) and bilateral contacts with individual Ministers. Coordination of activities is good, although there are inevitably administrative difficulties in the newly formed ministries. (…) Security in Kabul is improving, assisted by ISAF either alone or in conjunction with the police patrolling day and night in all 12 police districts. The police, with German and United Kingdom assistance, are becoming more effective. As a result of Interim Administration rulings, the presence of arms on the streets has reduced noticeably. Various elements of the Interim Administration armed forces and other armed groups have either returned to their barracks or withdrawn from the city. Although ISAF has been well received by the majority of the population in Kabul, there are still risks to ISAF troops from extremists, as isolated incidents of ISAF coming under fire have shown. (…)The reopening of Kabul International Airport by ISAF has been one of the most significant contributions to the creation of a sense of a return to normality, connecting the capital to the rest of the world and enabling pilgrims to travel for the hajj."

Document(s): Open document

15.03.2002 - Source: International Crisis Group

International Crisis Group: Presence of ISAF in Afghanistan should be expanded ("Securing Afghanistan: The Need for More International Action") [#8282],  [ID 1689]

"Afghanistan has not had a genuinely effective police force in more than a decade, its current force has not received training in years, officers have not been paid for months, and the force structure is built around an old Soviet-style system. Similarly, the notion that a national military can quickly be propped up as an effective national force – free of allegiance to local commanders – is subject to serious question. The immediate priority, therefore, has to be an expanded ISAF – up from 4,500 to more than 25,000 troops – and a more effective one as well. In addition to the problem of sheer numbers that needs to be addressed urgently, ISAF should improve internal coordination, which is highly problematic for the current small force made up of eighteen national components all in the Kabul area, and will be still more challenged if the force grows in size and geographic responsibilities."

Document(s): Open document