Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - Enhanced Integrated Framework ...

groups and neutralizing armed elements operatingalong the borders. Given that many ofthese groups receive support from foreignsources, both regional cooperation and diplomaticinitiatives are vital. To defeat terrorism,new strategies attuned with political objectivesof the Government are being adopted, such asstrengthening the effectiveness of ISAF andCoalition Forces assistance. This includes specialattention to building the professional capabilitiesof Afghan security forces designed todefeat terrorism and to render assistance tovictims of war and avoid civilian casualties.The government aims at strengthening itsownership over law enforcement to effectivelyovercome internal security problems. Furthermore,combating criminal activity and increasednarcotics production are integratedcomponents of the security strategy.Countering a terror-dominated Taliban andillegally armed groups is an extremely complexform of warfare. In many ways it is a competitionfor the support of the population. The activesupport of the Afghan people is vital tosuccess. This demands a firm political will andsubstantial persistence by the Government andthe Afghan people, and unwavering long termcommitment and patience from the internationalcommunity. Government legitimacy is apre-requisite if we are to isolate the Taliban.The Government’s support and legitimacy willincrease only if we can assure the security ofthe people and provide them with the basicnecessities of life: food, water, shelter, healthcareand the means to make a living. The useof excessive force in operations should beavoided, targets should be accurately identified,and collateral damage and especiallycasualties among civilians be avoided as muchas possible.NarcoticsPoppy cultivation and production of narcoticsposes a serious challenge to Afghanistan’s security.The high level corruption that enablesthe narcotics industry to thrive endangers foreignassistance to development. Huge revenuesfrom opium and production of narcoticshave drawn in terrorist elements, organizedcrimegroups and extremists. Revenues fromopium and drug trafficking is also a considerablesource of funding to remnants of illegalarmed groups. The Government’s strategy coordinatesinternational efforts with Governmentplans and addresses issues such as thedevelopment of economic infrastructure, demandreduction, poppy eradication, counteringdrug trafficking and establishing alternativelivelihood programs. As the police are reformedand the judicial system strengthened, amajor effort will be made to reduce corruption,better policing officials involved in cultivationand interfering with eradication efforts.Illegal Armed GroupsWars and violence have turned Afghanistaninto a fully armed society where people useguns to earn a living or to control resources.Illegally armed groups pose a direct threat tonational security. The long-term presence ofillegal armed groups in different parts of thecountry is obstructing Government control,hindering development of local democraticinstitutions and posing a serious threat to nationalunity. They are obstacles to the rule oflaw and stand in the way of social and economicdevelopment. Many commanders ofillegal armed groups have close links with policeor even belong to local governments. Thissituation enhances corruption and is considereda key obstacle in cracking down on thenarcotics industry. Unless the Government isable to provide adequate security with policepresence in every village and district, peoplewill feel the need to keep guns for selfprotection.People are now required to have alicense to carry arms and this law needs to beenforced effectively.The Disbandment of Illegal Armed Groups(DIAG) and the continuation of the Disarmament,Disintegration and Rehabilitation program(DDR), is the first step in disarming illegalarmed groups. The existence of arms andammunition caches and mines in differentparts of Afghanistan also pose a threat, becauseopponents of the government can use them forterrorist operations. The government –in cooperationwith international organizations – istrying to garner support from local communitiesto get rid of these arms caches.Mines and Explosive Remnants ofWar (ERW)Mines and other ERWs are major obstacles toinfrastructure and economic reconstruction.The benchmark for locating and destroying all54Afghanistan National Development Strategy (ANDS)