Implementation: A New Approach to Multinational Coordination in Afghanistan

Ronald E. Neumann, 'Implementation: A New Approach to Multinational Coordination in Afghanistan', The Stanley Foundation, 10 April 2008

EXCERPT: "'NATO is not winning in Afghanistan,' the Atlantic Council starkly concludes. Progress is 'under serious threat,' another Afghanistan study reports. As these views appeared, an internationally backed concept of a 'supercoordinator' was rejected by Afghan President Hamid Karzai, resulting in redoubled hand wringing in Western capitals. The view that we must do better is correct; we are neither providing resources sufficient to ensure success nor to have a margin for reverses or surprises, a point I made repeatedly as ambassador in Afghanistan. Far less developed is an understanding of what we need to do and what is possible.

"The debate has concentrated on policy: on calls for a single coordinating point for all aid donors and military participants, for an integrated NATO strategy for the war, for multinational unity in policy on drugs, and for economic development. These ideas have merit, but joining the calls for coordination to a new focus on existing strategy could more quickly provide action than starting over. Unfortunately, all of the strategic ideas being discussed are over-promising results. Lacking is a real understanding of what these ideas will require, why some have dangers of their own, and, above all, of the difference between policy and implementation. Until we master the art of multinational implementation, most of the policy ideas being debated will continue to fall short in practice."

To continue reading the policy brief, click here [pdf].

See also:
'Better coordination of efforts to help Afghanistan priority for new UN envoy', UN News Centre, 9 April 2008
'Learn from problems of corruption, coordination, partnership in Afghanistan, UN Secretary-General urges NATO summit', United Nations Secretary-General / ReliefWeb, 3 April 2008
'UN strengthen coordination role in Afghanistan', 20 March 2008

Related post:
'Pakistani Ambassador sought coordination in Afghanistan', 14 March 2008