Publication

This paper outlines the situations in both Afghanistan and Pakistan, with particular focus on Pakistan since, the authors argue, the situation there is both more grave and less understood. These situation assessments highlight two trends that threaten the administration's stated objectives of promoting a more capable, accountable and effective government in Afghanistan and enhancing a stable, civilian-led, constitutional government in Pakistan: decreasing government control and increasing civilian casualties. The authors offer two operational recommendations that seek to address the most pressing dangers identified in the situation assessments, and to further progress toward meeting the benchmarks that matter.