International Security Assistance Force

The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) is an international peacekeeping force in Kabul, Afghanistan consisting of about 6,500 personnel. Authorized by the United Nations Security Council in December 2001, the ISAF was charged with securing Kabul and its nearby Bagram air base from Taliban and al Qaida elements and factional warlords, so as to allow for the establishment and security of the Afghan Transitional Administration headed by Hamid Karzai.

Related Topics:
Peacekeeping - Kabul - Afghanistan - United Nations Security Council - December 2001 - Bagram air base - Taliban - Al Qaida - Afghan Transitional Administration - Hamid Karzai

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For almost two years, the ISAF mandate did not go beyond the boundaries of Kabul. According to General Norbert Van Heyst, such a deployment would require at least an extra ten thousand soldiers. The responsibility for security throughout the whole of Afghanistan was to be given to the newly-constituted Afghan National Army. However, on October 13, 2003, the Security Council voted unanimously to expand the ISAF mission beyond Kabul. Shortly thereafter, Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien said that Canadian peacekeepers (nearly half of the entire force) would not deploy outside Kabul.

Related Topics:
Norbert Van Heyst - Afghan National Army - October 13 - 2003 - Canadian - Jean Chrétien

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On October 24, the German Bundestag voted to send German troops to the region of Kunduz. Around 230 additional soldiers are deployed to that region, marking the first time that ISAF soldiers operated outside of Kabul.

Related Topics:
October 24 - German - Bundestag - Kunduz

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