The US-Afghanistan Bilateral Security Agreement: What You Need to Know
The US-Afghanistan Bilateral Security Agreement, also known as the BSA, is a critical agreement signed between the United States and Afghanistan in 2014. The BSA outlines the framework for continued US military presence in Afghanistan and sets out various responsibilities and obligations for both parties.
The primary purpose of the BSA is to support the ongoing efforts of the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) in securing the country and fighting against terrorism. It provides for the establishment of a US-led Resolute Support Mission, which is responsible for providing training, advising, and assistance to the ANSF.
Under the agreement, the US has agreed to provide financial assistance to Afghanistan to help rebuild its infrastructure and bolster its economy. This assistance includes funding for the ANSF, as well as for other development initiatives.
The BSA also addresses the issue of detainees, establishing procedures for their transfer between the US and Afghan authorities. Additionally, it outlines the rights and protections of US military personnel operating in Afghanistan, including the jurisdiction of US courts in certain circumstances.
The agreement was negotiated over a period of several years and involved extensive consultations with both Afghan and US officials. It was signed in September 2014 by then-Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and then-US Secretary of State John Kerry.
While the BSA was initially conceived as a long-term agreement, it has come under scrutiny in recent years. Some Afghan officials have criticized the US for not doing enough to support the country`s security forces, while others have expressed concern that the agreement could be used to justify continued US military presence.
Despite these concerns, the BSA remains a critical component of US-Afghanistan relations. As the country continues to grapple with ongoing violence and instability, the support of the US and its allies remains essential to achieving lasting peace and stability.
