Abstract

MELO ALVARADO, Tatiana  and  YEPES LUGO, Cristian. THE AFGHAN WAR MODEL AND REGIONAL STABILITY: THE UNITED STATES' MILITARY INTERVENTION STRATEGY IN SYRIA AND IRAQ. anal.polit. [online]. 2017, vol.30, n.91, pp.72-95. ISSN 0121-4705.  https://doi.org/10.15446/anpol.v30n91.70265.

The unconventional wars taking place in Syria and Iraq are characterized by the involvement of a complex network of state and non-state actors that apply asymmetrical warfare tactics in a region deeply divided along religious and ethnic lines. Given that scenario, the Obama administration intervened militarily in those areas applying the warfare model it used in Afghanistan, a strategy which replaces conventional United States ground forces with local allies supported by United States air power and special operations forces. Although there is consensus that each such type of warfare possesses strengths as well as weaknesses, the implications of the latter mode of warfare on regional stability remain debatable.

Through analysis of the status of the conflict in Syria and Iraq as well as of the manner in which the Afghan warfare model has been implemented by the United States administration, this article sets forth implications for regional stability. Based on the foregoing, it is determined that despite the attempt through use of the Afghan model to maintain United States troops outside theaters of operation in Syria and Iraq, their introduction into the area may instead result in progressive United States military involvement as well as in empowerment of local players whose agendas and interests do not coincide with those of the United States, and, in the end, prove detrimental to the delicate regional balance.

Keywords : “Afghan warfare model”; “surrogate warfare”; “regional stability”; Syria; Iraq..

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