Afghanistan: 3 Key Lessons from Iraq

Lessons Of Iraq, (International Herald Tribune)…Christopher M. Schnaubelt, Nov 1, 2008.

There are three key lessons from in Iraq that NATO should consider for Afghanistan, even if there is no substantial increase in troops.

First, there must be a broad and candid analysis of the situation.

Second, probably the most important change in Iraq was shifting the military focus to protecting the population – a task that should be the cornerstone of any counterinsurgency operation.

Finally, the change in strategy in Iraq included a “civilian surge” that doubled the number of Provincial Reconstruction Teams in Iraq. The increased capability helped to promote national reconciliation efforts and to improve the legitimacy of Iraq’s government by facilitating connections between the central government and provincial and local leaders.

Christopher M. Schnaubelt holds the Transformation Chair at the NATO Defense College in Rome.