International security assistance force : with special reference to Turkey's leadership

Abstract

This thesis describes and explains the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) with special reference to Turkey’s leadership. The significance of Turkey’s leadership, organization and activities of ISAF will be explained alongside the events led to the establishment of ISAF, its history, mission, and competences. After the U.S.-led multinational operation defeated the Taliban regime and damaged Al Qaeda heavily, the maintenance of security and the reconstruction of Afghanistan were vital in order to prevent revitalization of the broken link between Afghanistan and international terrorism. As a part of the UN state-building activities in Afghanistan, to assist the Afghan authorities in the maintenance of security in Kabul and surrounding areas, the UN Security Council authorized ISAF, initially led by Great Britain. After September 11, Turkey emerged as one of the leading actors in the fight against terrorism and she, being a country that suffered from terrorism for years, supported fully all the counter-terrorism activities. Turkey actively participated in ISAF, and when the British mandate was over, she took over the command of ISAF. Turkey was a perfect choice to lead ISAF since she had an Islamic population with a secular and democratic government and was one of the few countries whose forces were capable of coping with this kind of mission. By assuming the command of ISAF, Turkey has demonstrated her determination to fight against terrorism once more. During her leadership, ISAF operated efficiently and the stability and security in Kabul and surrounding areas improved gradually.