Abstract: One of the most promising ways forward for the U.S. and NATO in Afghanistan is to focus on removing the impediments to continental transport and trade across Afghanistan's territory. Many existing international initiatives from the Mediterranean to the Indian sub-continent and Southeast Asia are already bringing parts of this network into being. Absent is the overall prioritization, coordination, and risk management that will enable Afghanistan to emerge as a natural hub and transit point for roads, railroads, pipelines, and electric lines. America and its coalition partners can provide these missing ingredients. Opening the great channels of transport and trade will improve the lives of average Afghans, reinforce the military effort, and create a sustained income stream for the Afghan government. It will begin reaping these benefits with-in 18 to 24 months.

Includes bibliographical references.

Contents: Executive summary—Overview—Transport initiatives to date—Argument for a highly visible and transformative transport-based strategy—What the United States should do now: an initiative to reconnect Afghanistan with east and west—Institutional steps to embrace and implement—Appendix.

English