International security assistance force : with special reference to Turkey's leadership
Author(s)
Advisor
Karaosmanoğlu, AliDate
2004Publisher
Bilkent University
Language
English
Type
ThesisItem Usage Stats
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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.
Keywords
Peace operationsTaliban
Al Qaeda
UN
NATO
Afghanistan
September 11
United States
Turkey’s leadership
ISAF