NEW TROOP MINIMUM FOR US FORCES IN AFGHANISTAN
Previously set at 10,000, the minimum number of deployed US troops meant to train Afghan security forces is expected to drop considerably in the coming weeks. The new estimate, as low as 5,000 soldiers, is based on the hope that the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) are, or at least will be, strong enough to counter a resurging Taliban threat on their own. Furthermore, the remaining US troops will receive a much lower workload, concentrating solely on training or counter-terrorism efforts. The confidence in the future of the ANSF has been lifted by the surprising lack of violence related to the recent national election, which the Taliban promised to disrupt with widespread attacks. However, many critics fear that too that the ANSF lacks the training, equipment, and cohesion to continue the fight against the Taliban themselves. Critics also fear that the recent lull in violence during elections may be part of the Taliban’s strategy to rest, regroup, and re-arm in anticipation of the departure of Coalition forces. (Reuters, April 21, 2014)
FORMER TALIBAN MINISTER FREED IN EFFORT TO SPUR AFGHAN TALKS
Agha Jan Motasim, the Taliban’s former finance minister, was released by UAE authorities this weekend as a means to revitalize peace talks between the militant group and Afghan President Hamid Karzai. Motasim was detained last month for undeclared reasons, and even Karzai spoke out against the arrest a Taliban insider in the UAE, declaring “secret enemies of peace in Afghanistan were sabotaging the peace process.” U.S. experts remain skeptical that any lasting peace deal will emerge, stating that Karzai is only attempting to bolster his legacy as a peacemaker. Furthermore, U.S. officials question both the Taliban’s intentions and Motasim’s legitimacy within the militant organization. (The Washington Post, April 21, 2014)
PAK CONDUCTS SUCCESSFUL HATF III TEST-FIRE
This week Pakistan successfully conducted a test-firing of the Hatf III, a short range surface-to-surface ballistic missile that is able to carry both nuclear and conventional warheads with a range of up to 290 kilometers. This missile system milestone is the newest and most notable development in the strategic missile branch of the Pakistani Army. (Dawn News, April 22, 2014)
US-PAK NAVAL CONTRACT MEETS FRICTION IN CONGRESS
Pakistan has met considerable resistance in its naval modernization plans. Despite its intimate defense relationship with China, a 2012 deal struck with Beijing to receive an advanced batch of F-22P frigates has yet to be implemented. On the U.S. side, Pakistan has recently met hostility in Congress over the export of three Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates leftover from U.S. stockpiles. The frigate deal has not yet been formally denied by Congress, but the option “is fast losing popularity in Washington.” (Defense News, April 17, 2014)