Stabilizing Regional Conflicts

Since 2003, GAO has issued more than 200 reports on Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Iran, and other countries in conflict, covering topics that range from the readiness of U.S. forces, to planning for counterterrorism programs, to progress in building roads and oil pipelines, to imposing sanctions.

Hundreds of billions of dollars have been provided to the Department of Defense (DOD) for military operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Pakistan as well as to State and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to help address security, stabilization and reconstruction, and capacity-building efforts in these countries. Also, the United States Congress has passed legislation imposing sanctions against Iran to deter its nuclear proliferation and support for terrorism. Finally, the United States has worked to strengthen international peacekeeping capacities.

Our work will highlight the major implementation issues that need to be addressed to ensure the development of comprehensive integrated strategies, accountability over resources provided, and ongoing assessments of progress, regardless of what policies are pursued in the future.

^ Back to topWhat Needs to Be Done

Several key steps need to be taken, including the following:

• Develop contingency plans for the transition to a civilian-led presence in Iraq and ensure that U.S. agencies maintain safeguards over funding provided for Afghan and Pakistani entities to administer.

  Highlights of GAO-11-419T (PDF)

• Assist Iraq in developing an effective integrated international strategy for reintegrating displaced Iraqis.

  Highlights of GAO-11-124 (PDF)

• Ensure that Iraq continues to spend its own resources on security costs; Congress should consider Iraq’s available financial resources.

  Highlights of GAO-10-304 (PDF)

• Improve accountability of U.S.-provided defense equipment and U.S. civilian assistance to Pakistan.

  Full Report GAO-11-156R (PDF), Full Report of GAO-11-310R (PDF), and Highlights of GAO-10-289 (PDF)

• Provide additional trainers and mentors to support the development of expanded Afghan National Security Forces and improve U.S. planning, monitoring, and evaluation of development assistance programs in Afghanistan.

  Highlights of GAO-11-66 (PDF), Highlights of GAO-09-280 (PDF), and Full Report of GAO-10-932T (PDF)

• Develop the capability to provide complete and timely information on all licenses for the export of goods to Iran.

  Highlights of GAO-10-375 (PDF)

• Assess data on Iran sanctions and complete an overall baseline assessment of sanctions.

  Highlights of GAO-08-58 (PDF)

• State should include in its reporting to Congress information about UN challenges and gaps in obtaining resources needed to carry out peacekeeping.

  Highlights of GAO-09-142 (PDF)

• State should take several steps to enhance the Global Peace Operation Initiative's effectiveness, better identify program outcomes, and ensure proper screening for human rights violations.

  Highlights of GAO-08-754

^ Back to topKey Reports

Afghanistan

Iraq and Afghanistan

Iraq

Afghanistan Security

Afghanistan Security

United Nations Peacekeeping

Stabilizing and Rebuilding Iraq

Rebuilding Iraq

Securing, Stabilizing, and Rebuilding Iraq

Afghanistan Reconstruction

Peacekeeping

Combating Terrorism

Securing, Stabilizing, and Rebuilding Iraq

Afghanistan Security

Combating Terrorism

Combating Terrorism

The Democratic Republic of the Congo

Securing, Stabilizing, and Rebuilding Iraq

Securing, Stabilizing, and Reconstructing Afghanistan

Rebuilding Iraq

More Reports