Final Report of the Inquiry Commission “Lessons from Afghanistan”
January 31, 2025
The German Bundestag’s Inquiry Commission “Lessons from Afghanistan” has published its final report, concluding a year-long investigation into Germany’s involvement in the 20-year war in Afghanistan.
Key Findings:
- Intelligence Failures: The German government underestimated the strength and resilience of the Taliban, leading to a flawed assessment of the conflict.
- Lack of Political Will: German politicians failed to prioritize the Afghan mission and provide adequate resources and support for the troops.
- Disorganized Troop Deployment: German troops were spread thinly across Afghanistan, making them vulnerable to attacks and straining their logistics.
- Lack of Coordination with Allies: Germany’s military cooperation with other NATO countries was insufficient, leading to confusion and inefficiencies.
- Neglect of Afghan Partner Forces: German trainers and advisors did not adequately prepare Afghan security forces, resulting in their collapse when the Taliban returned to power.
Recommendations:
The commission made several recommendations to improve Germany’s future foreign policy interventions:
- Enhanced Intelligence Capabilities: Strengthen intelligence gathering and analysis to better assess risks and vulnerabilities.
- Clear Political Objectives: Define specific, achievable goals for military interventions and ensure political commitment to their implementation.
- Adequate Troop Levels and Resources: Deploy sufficient troops and provide them with the necessary equipment and support.
- Improved Interagency Coordination: Establish clear roles and responsibilities between different government agencies involved in foreign policy.
- Emphasize Diplomacy and Development: Prioritize diplomatic efforts and support for development projects to address root causes of conflict.
Political Reactions:
The report has sparked a heated debate in German politics. The ruling coalition has welcomed its findings and pledged to implement its recommendations. However, opposition parties have criticized the government for not taking responsibility for its mistakes in Afghanistan.
Public Opinion:
A recent poll shows that a majority of Germans believe that the war in Afghanistan was a failure. However, there are mixed views on the specific lessons that should be learned from it.
Conclusion:
The Inquiry Commission’s report provides a comprehensive and critical analysis of Germany’s involvement in the Afghanistan war. It offers valuable lessons for policymakers to enhance future foreign policy interventions and ensure that the mistakes of the past are not repeated.
Abschlussbericht der Enquete-Kommission „Lehren aus Afghanistan“
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