| ID | 103846 |
| Title Proper | COIN machine |
| Other Title Information | the British military in Afghanistan |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Farrell, Theo ; Gordon, Stuart |
| Publication | 2009. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | This article assesses the British military effort in Afghanistan looking at three key elements in the campaign: strategy, military operations, and the inter-agency "Comprehensive Approach." We start by recognising the scale of the challenge that has faced the British: of all the provinces in Afghanistan, Helmand is the toughest to stabilize and secure. We then examine the evolution of all three elements above and find significant improvements in each: a flawed strategy has been corrected; the military have received more resources and become significantly better at COIN; and there is significant progress in the development of the inter-agency approach. In short, what the Americans will find in Helmand is a British COIN machine; a little creaky perhaps, but one that is fit for purpose and getting the job done. We briefly conclude on the prospects and the key to success: namely the development of a more coherent international strategy that accommodates the challenges posed by both Afghanistan and Pakistan. |
| `In' analytical Note | Orbis Vol. 53, No.4; Fal 2009: p665-683 |
| Journal Source | Orbis Vol. 53, No.4; Fal 2009: p665-683 |
| Key Words | COIN ; British - Military ; Military ; Britain ; Afghanistan |