The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) report warned that the West is struggling with a lack of resources, and also lamented growing signs that the insurgency is expanding from the south of the country into northern provinces, with rebels learning lessons from Iraq.
The London-based think tank noted progress by the so-called surge in Iraq, but warned that US and other troops face being in the country for a generation.
05 February 2008: AFP
AFGHANISTAN risks becoming a failed state if NATO troops do not defeat the Taliban, boosting Islamist extremism worldwide, according to a study.
The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) report warned that the West is struggling with a lack of resources, and also lamented growing signs that the insurgency is expanding from the south of the country into northern provinces, with rebels learning lessons from Iraq.
The London-based think tank noted progress by the so-called surge in Iraq, but warned that US and other troops face being in the country for a generation.
On Afghanistan, the IISS annual 'The Military Balance 2008' study said there was a general acceptance that defeating the militants was of international importance and would require long-term commitments from all countries involved.
But the NATO operation was most at risk where its technical advantage was reduced, particularly in eastern Afghanistan where troops have been engaged in intense fighting with militia, the report said.
"Failure in these actions would risk boosting Islamic extremism (not just in Afghanistan), would produce a failed state in an area of strategic importance, and would offer safe haven to terrorist organisations and the narcotics trade.
"It would also undermine the credibility of NATO in its first major out-of-area combat operation," the study said.
