The Failure of the Afghan National Army: The Haqqani Network Factor

Abstract

This research study focuses on the impact of the Haqqani Network on the failure of the Afghan National Army. Mixed research methods were used in conducting this research study, including structured questionnaire and open-ended questions. Since the target population of this research study was Afghan citizens, therefore, 190 samples were collected, including 100 from Jalalabad and 90 from Peshawar. Multinomial logistic regression was used to identify the impact of the Haqqani Network on the failure of the Afghan National Army (ANA). While comparing the two factors, the Haqqani Network strength in terms of strong organization was 4.7 times higher than the ANA weakness in terms of internal fragmentation. The wald-statistics for the Haqqani Network strength was 3.942 while the p-value was .047 which meant that at α = .05; we failed to accept the null hypothesis on the ground that the Haqqani Network had a significant impact on the ANA failure. Of 190 samples, 57.4% revealed that strong organization of the Haqqani Network was an exceptional quality while 34.7% were of the view that diversified sources of revenue was the real strength of the Haqqani Network. Moreover, a long history of more than four decades of constant engagement in fight and a clear sense of direction made the Haqqani Network an undefeated group of the Taliban. Their grouping and regrouping strategy was effective in maintaining strong organization in the Haqqani Network. On the other hand, internal fragmentation and lack of trust in the Afghan government were the main weaknesses of the ANA that were exploited by the Haqqani Network.