Failing to Keep Pace with the Insurgency, 2007–2009

Abstract

This chapter argues that the patron-client relationship between the U.S. and the Afghan governments became increasingly strained through misunderstandings and miscommunication. The Bush administration assumed that its interests were shared by a Karzai government in control of the country, but Karzai’s power was continuously being challenged and his trust in U.S. support was limited. As Karzai aimed of secure his power, the scale of corruption and the alienation of parts of the population only grew further. The Bush administration, however, did not fully understand the limitations of its partner government nor the extent of the growing insurgency.