{{The UK government should set up an inquiry into “lessons learned” after troops withdraw from Afghanistan at the end of this year, MPs have recommended.}}
The Commons defence committee said ministers should plan for a “thorough” study covering the aims of the war and whether efforts had been “sufficient”.
Defence Secretary Philip Hammond promised to “look strategically across the campaign” after the mission ends.
More than 450 UK personnel have died in the Afghan conflict since 2001.
An official inquiry into the Iraq war began almost five years ago and has still to publish its findings. This follows arguments between the panel, led by former civil servant Sir John Chilcot, and Whitehall officials over which documents can be disclosed.
It said the Afghan government would need the continued support of the international community after most UK and other international troops left.
The committee warned of an “uncertain” future and said it hoped Defence Secretary Philip Hammond’s prediction that the country would not descend into civil war would prove correct.
It said that, while there had been gains in the rights of Afghan women and girls during the years international forces had been in the country, progress remained “fragile”.
In contrast, the UK’s counter-narcotics strategy had failed, with opium poppy cultivation in Helmand province soaring to record levels as the troops prepared to leave.
“We are concerned that this will continue to fund organised crime, and undermine the development of democratic government and governance,” the report said.
BBC
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