NCJ Number
238520
Date Published
2011
Length
39 pages
Annotation
This paper analyzes the policy and process of reintegrating Taliban and other insurgents in Afghanistan into their local communities.
Abstract
"Reintegration" refers to operational and tactical efforts to assimilate low to mid-level insurgents and leaders peacefully into their local communities. Such reintegration involves terminating their armed resistance against the Afghan government. This assessment of insurgent reintegration identifies that factors that increase the likelihood of reintegrating fighters, as well as the key options for fighters as they consider reintegration. At least three factors increase the probability of reintegration. One factor is an increase in the perception that Afghan and Coalition forces are winning the war; a second factor is the use of coercion against insurgents, including targeted raids to kill or capture insurgent leaders; and third factor involves addressing key grievances, such as tribal or sub-tribal conflicts, employment, security, or governance failures. Proactive operations should be conducted in order to identify individuals as favorable candidates for reintegration. Effective reintegration may require tactical units to cooperate with local officials, provincial and district governors, tribal and community leaders, and Afghan officials responsible for national security. Experience indicates that there are a range of effective procedures for reintegration once a fighter or group of fighters considers reintegration. These procedures should include the screening of candidates, establishing holding and security procedures if needed, incentives, engaging tribal and other local leaders, dissemination of information on reintegration, and the use of reintegrated individuals to contribute to counterinsurgency efforts. This analysis examined 36 reintegration cases in Afghanistan since 2001. 1 table, 2 figures, and chapter notes