Supporting National Security Strategy in Afghanistan
In Afghanistan, our role of one of two seconded UK national intelligence advisors was to support the National Security Team in shaping the country’s national security architecture. This position required not only high-level advisory skills but also a nuanced understanding of Afghanistan’s complex political and security landscape.
A core focus was on advising the National Security Advisor in his capacity as the President’s chief strategist on national security. This included helping to design and implement a nationwide security oversight body aimed at improving coordination among the country’s multiple security agencies. Establishing this body was a critical step towards creating a unified approach to counter-terrorism, border security, and internal threats, providing a platform for better information sharing and operational efficiency.
Primary areas for investigation were:
National Security
Unified counter-terrorism and info-sharing improved operational efficiency
Border Security
Strengthened cooperation, though mid-2000s cross-border flows persisted (e.g., 170K+ Afghan refugees to Pakistan, 2005-2006, per UNHCR).
Counter-Narcotics
Partnered with UNODC to disrupt opium supply, strengthen laws, and reduce poppy cultivation incentives.
Addressing border security challenges was another significant aspect of the role. Facilitating tripartite discussions with Pakistan was a key achievement, aimed at mitigating the threats posed by porous borders, cross-border insurgencies, and illegal trade. These discussions focused on establishing protocols for intelligence sharing, enhancing surveillance, and implementing confidence-building measures to reduce tensions and improve security cooperation between the two nations.
Counter-narcotics was an additional priority area, given Afghanistan’s role as a major producer of illicit opiates. In partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), efforts were directed towards overseeing the implementation of a comprehensive counter-narcotics strategy. This strategy involved not just the disruption of supply chains but also initiatives to strengthen legal frameworks, enhance interdiction capabilities, and reduce the economic incentives for local communities to engage in poppy cultivation.
Throughout this period, the role required a balance between strategic advisory functions and direct involvement in operational planning. Providing actionable intelligence assessments, advising on the prioritization of threats, and coordinating with international partners were essential to aligning national security efforts with broader regional and global security interests.
This work significantly contributed to enhancing Afghanistan’s security governance structures, fostering regional security cooperation, and addressing the multi-dimensional threats facing the country.
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