Defense Analysis Bulletin #1

A series of mini-reviews of selected studies of interest

Edited by Bipasha Ray

In this inaugural issue: Has U.S. aid to Afghan security forces improved its human rights record? Also discusses whether high-ranking Taliban should be brought into the fold of governance; civilian casualties in US/NATO air strikes in Afghanistan; and the potential spillover from the Iraqi civil war which could affect U.S. basing operations especially in the small Persian Gulf countries, like Bahrain.

Resolving Iraq: Progress depends on a short timeline for US troop withdrawal

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By Carl Conetta, PDA Briefing Memo #40, 18 January 2007.

The memo argues that the large-scale US military presence in Iraq makes sustainable progress toward peace and stability there impossible. It advances an alternative approach to stabilizing Iraq that hinges on a short timeline for US troop withdrawal and a new international effort including Iraq’s neighbors.

More troops for Iraq? Time to just say "No"

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By Carl Conetta, PDA Briefing Memo #39, 09 January 2007.

There is no reason to believe that a marginal increase in the US troop presence in Iraq will turn the tide there. The memo reviews relevant data on troop strength, insurgent activity, and Iraqi public opinion. It traces America's troubles in Iraq to the nature of the mission, which it concludes is founded on strategic error.