This study explores the nature of the insurgency in Afghanistan, the key challenges and successes of the U.S.-led counterinsurgency campaign, and the capabilities necessary to wage effective counterinsurgency operations. By examining the key lessons from all insurgencies since World War II, it finds that most policymakers repeatedly underestimate the importance of indigenous actors to counterinsurgency efforts. The U.S. should focus its resources on helping improve the capacity of the indigenous government and indigenous security forces to wage counterinsurgency.

Includes maps of: Afghan Insurgent Front; Pakistan Tribal Areas. "RAND National Defense Research Institute."

Success in counterinsurgency warfare -- The age of insurgency -- Insurgents and their support network -- Afghan government and security forces -- U.S. and coalition forces -- Recommendations.