![]() |
![]() |
Publications
The Taliban's Media Blitz
November 24, 2009![](https://understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumb-wide/public/eafghan_1.jpg?itok=czSzs6_6)
It is a strategic mistake for decision makers in Washington to buy-in to the Taliban’s propaganda efforts.
President Karzai’s Inaugural Address: Critical Points and Policy Implications
November 21, 2009![](https://understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumb-wide/public/karzai.jpg?itok=exwny5bR)
This paper is an analysis of the policy implications of President Karzai’s second inaugural address.
"The Cost of Dithering" (Weekly Standard)
November 11, 2009 - Kimberly Kagan![](https://understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumb-wide/public/obama2.jpg?itok=sKVUlA3q)
The delay in White House decision-making is protracting and complicating the campaign in Afghanistan
"Iraq 'surge' should be tailored for Afghanistan" (Washington Examiner)
November 9, 2009 - Kimberly Kagan![](https://understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumb-wide/public/surge_0.jpg?itok=CEYRkUXk)
The "surge" not only transformed Iraq, but also taught the American military many important lessons about how to fight and win counterinsurgencies.
"Is Counterinsurgency the Right Path in Afghanistan?" (US News)
October 26, 2009![](https://understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumb-wide/public/alqaeda_0.jpg?itok=0z0faMfc)
James Danly, Managing Director of the ISW and a veteran of the Iraq War, writes an opinion piece arguing for a greater focus on counterinsurgency in Afghanistan.
Iraq's Parliamentary Election
October 20, 2009![](https://understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumb-wide/public/Cor_featured.jpg?itok=y5hk_ieK)
This backgrounder provides an assessment of the shifting political environment in Iraq as elections draw near.
U.S. Marine Corps Operation Khanjar
October 9, 2009 - Institute for the Study of War![](https://understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumb-wide/public/USMC_Khanjar_0_0.jpg?itok=-sdTwk6v)
USMC Operation Khanjar: Helmand Province, Afghanistan: July, 2009
For more information on Operation Khanjar, see Afghanistan Report 2: Securing Helmand, by Jeffrey A. Dressler.
Operation Panther's Claw - Part Three
October 9, 2009 - Institute for the Study of War![](https://understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumb-wide/public/PanthersClaw_three_main_0.jpg?itok=-oScZlYb)
Phase Three of Operation Panther's Claw: Helmand Province, Afghanistan: July, 2009
For a detailed report on Operation Panther's Claw, see Afghanistan Report 2: Securing Helmand, by Jeffrey A. Dressler.
Operation Panther's Claw - Part Two
October 9, 2009 - Institute for the Study of War![](https://understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumb-wide/public/PanthersClaw_two_0_0.jpg?itok=Hiinu7ci)
Part Two of Operation Panther's Claw: Helmand Province: July, 2009
For a detailed account of Operation Panther's Claw, see Afghanistan Report 2: Securing Helmand, by Jeffrey A. Dressler.