The beginning of the end

It is the beginning of the end for Denmark’s occupation in Afghanistan. Even though Denmark’s occupancy is small, only about 750 troops, they have suffered the most deaths proportionally to any other country occupying Afghanistan. Denmark has had 40 deaths, which may seem small, but when compared to the fact that only 750 troops are in Afghanistan that is a much larger number and means Denmark is controlling a crucial area.

Denmark’s military base is in the Helmand province in southern Afghanistan. The base is in the Patrol Base Line, which is a part of the “green zone.” However this is a dangerous part of the country because it is the most heavily influenced by the Taliban. However Denmark believes it is time to begin their own withdrawal process.

The withdrawal is set to begin this summer with a whopping 30 soldiers heading home. A goal of about 650 troops left by late 2012 has been set for the country. The whole withdrawal process is supposed to take place of 4 years and to be completed by the end of 2014.

While the withdrawal process takes place Denmark is doing something very similar to the US. Denmark is increasing its investment in the Afghan police force. It is increasing its aid to the police force by about 18 million dollars by 2013, which means its total annual aid will be about 90 million dollars.

Another important fact about Denmark’s withdrawal has the goal of making Afghanistan responsible for its own security. The whole point is that Denmark wants Afghanistan to be able to stand up for itself by 2014 and to not have to rely on other countries for support. Therefore in order to ensure this, Denmark has started to beef up its monetary aid towards the country.

The plan comes at a time when many other countries are beginning to make exit strategies as well. The plan for the US has already been discussed and now Denmark. Many other countries that are a part of the International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, are beginning to make exit strategies as well. The common theme seems to be the initial withdrawal process will begin this summer.

As countries believe Afghanistan has become safe and is beginning to be able to fend for itself, they can begin their withdrawal process. The plans are constantly being set in motion with more countries announcing withdrawal plans monthly. The foreign occupancy in Afghanistan has an ending in sight. Not a set date, but at least with withdrawal beginning and end is bound to come about. Once the withdrawal begins a time constraint is also put on the Afghan police force to get control of the country because once the other countries are gone, their gone and not likely to come back. There is a power shift about to begin in Afghanistan and the police force better be ready for it.

Nathan