German Commission Declares Afghanistan Military Mission a Strategic Failure

A Bundestag-commissioned report highlights critical missteps in strategy, coordination, and cultural understanding during Germany's 20-year involvement in Afghanistan.

• The Enquete Commission's final report on Germany's Afghanistan mission concludes it lacked a coherent and realistic strategy, leading to its failure.
• The report criticizes insufficient coordination between government ministries and international partners, as well as poor communication with the German public.
• A lack of understanding of Afghanistan's local culture and conditions is cited as a key factor in exacerbating the conflict and undermining goals.
• The commission outlines 72 recommendations, including improved interagency cooperation, strategic evaluations, and the establishment of a central planning body for future missions.
• Commission members stress the importance of continued international engagement and humanitarian support, rejecting the idea of withdrawing from global responsibilities.

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