Final evaluation Netherlands participation in ISAF 2006 - 2010

6 ConclusionsThis chapter begins with a brief introduction, followed by the subconclusionsin the areas of security, good governance and socio-economicdevelopment, the Dutch approach (3D), the implementation and thefinancial aspects of the mission. It concludes with a number of lessons.6.1 IntroductionThis evaluation discusses the Dutch participation in NATO's UN-mandatedInternational Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan from 2006 to2010.During those four years, the Netherlands made a major effort inAfghanistan, both in Uruzgan and elsewhere. The mission took a great tollon the Netherlands armed forces and demanded great sacrifices.The deployment for ISAF cost the lives of 25 Dutch military personnel.In addition to the servicemen who lost their lives, a total of almost 150Dutch military personnel suffered mild to very serious injuries duringcombat action or attacks in the past years, some of which resulted inpermanent physical disability. Over 50 Dutch military personnel sufferedinjuries that required their repatriation to the Netherlands. Moreover, thedeployment to Afghanistan in many cases constituted a psychologicalburden, also for the home front.The coalition partners in Uruzgan, the Afghan army and the Afghan policeall suffered casualties and there were also casualties among the Afghancivilian population.The Netherlands did not operate alone in Afghanistan, but was part of alarge UN-mandated international NATO peace force. The guidelines from theAfghanistan Compact served in part to direct the mission. More than fortycountries are participating in the ISAF mission. The Dutch contributionshould be considered in the light of the international efforts and thecircumstances arising after the attacks in the United States of 11September 2001. From 2001 onwards, the Netherlands has been activelyinvolved in the stabilisation and reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan. Afterthe government decision of December 2005, the Dutch contributionincreased considerably. The Netherlands was involved, together with theUnited Kingdom, Canada, Australia and other countries, in the stabilisationof the southern provinces (RC-S). There was intensive cooperation withpartners, both in Afghanistan and at home, at the military, organisationaland political levels. In the coming years, the Netherlands hopes to build onthe new contacts and strengthened ties, with Allies and new partners suchas Australia.The Dutch participation in ISAF from 2006 to 2010 and the results achievedin that period should be viewed in the context of this broad internationaleffort.Compared with previous Dutch peace missions, the Dutch participation inISAF was extensive and complex. The Netherlands took the greatresponsibility of becoming lead nation in the province of Uruzgan. In 2005,that very traditional province was one of the most dangerous provinces inthe country, a poor, isolated area with little socio-economic development.Page 97 of 133