Gen. Dunford to head Afghan war, wrap it up (+video)

Surge ended, 2014 looms

In September the last of the American surge troops left Afghanistan, leaving 68,000 US forces here. The withdrawal of American forces will continue until 2014 when the US and international forces will conclude their combat mission in Afghanistan. 

Before Dunford steps into his new role, the questions surrounding the long-term fate of US forces based here after 2014 may get clarified. US and Afghan officials are reportedly engaged in talks about a bilateral security agreement, but details have yet to emerge.

Instead, Dunford’s primary focus will likely be overseeing the end of the international combat mission and transitioning security responsibility to Afghan forces.

Despite security gains in some areas of Afghanistan, the east still remains problematic. Many Afghan officials say they are concerned international troops no longer have enough time to stabilize these restive areas and Afghan forces are still ill-prepared for the job.

“The main problem is the Afghan government and its military. They’re still not able to maintain the security brought with the help of the foreign forces and the Americans,” says Hilaluddin Hilal, a former deputy of the Ministry of Interior. “The government was not able to provide facilities and job opportunities for the Afghan people. When you provide facilities to people, then they’re willing to help you maintain the security.”

Green-on-blue challenge

Tensions between NATO forces and their Afghan counterparts are also at an unprecedented high as green-on-blue attacks, where Afghan soldiers and police target foreign forces, continue to claim lives.

The problem led international military commanders to place restrictions on joint operations and fostered mistrust among NATO and Afghan soldiers that has challenged the partnership at a critical time.

“I don’t think a single person can change this problem. If the new commander tries hard, he can stop green-on-blue long-term, but not in the short term. We are also worried about this problem. This has made our reputation very bad. Now foreign forces are suspicious of every single Afghan soldier,” says Afghan Army Maj. Abdul Qadir, who is currently stationed in Helmand and asked to use a nickname because he’s not authorized to speak with the media.

Still, Qadir says there is potential for change under Dunford. “I believe that if he wants and if he’s allowed he can do a lot in the coming two years,” he says.

Dunford will come to Afghanistan after having served as the No. 2 commander of the US Marine Corps. Though he has not previously served in Afghanistan, he commanded a marine regiment during the invasion of in Iraq in 2003.

*Zubair Babakarkhail contributed to this report

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