Afghan Security in 2013 and Beyond

The International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan will continue to reduce troop numbers and significantly curtail combat power on the ground as it implements the next phase of its strategy, putting Afghan National Security Forces into the primary combat role throughout the country. These security forces will be severely tested in 2013 as they begin taking the brunt of the casualties, are forced to make battlefield decisions and attempt to handle logistics with limited support. The Afghan forces' success in assuming these roles will heavily influence ongoing negotiations with the Taliban and will shape the potential settlement.