Rogue Afghan security forces have become a larger problem

Counterinsurgency strategy calls for backfilling foreign troops with domestic forces, but this hasn’t been adequately applied in Afghanistan, according to an article in today’s Globe and Mail. According to police records and locals in and around Kandahar, it seems that this strategy hasn’t had the desired effect though, as rogue security forces – known locally as topokan or gun lords – have infiltrated military brigades and are gaining influence.

Abdul Rahman, who lives near Kandahar, relates that he had felt confident a few months ago that life was improving under the protection of Canadian troops, but after their withdrawal he is struggling to sleep at night.

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