Publication

Regardless of how the conflict in Afghanistan is resolved, one consequence will be to increase the importance of US European Command (EUCOM) both in Europe and for the entire transatlantic community. Whether Operation Enduring Freedom and ISAF produce a stunning victory in which Afghanistan emerges as a stable state or a rocky withdrawal in the midst of continuing violence with no clear solution in sight, NATO nations will have long tired of that war. EUCOM will thus be pivotal in keeping direct links with and access to NATO and European militaries in order to maintain, or in some areas strengthen, a partner’s security capacities and capabilities despite the downward spending trends.