2016 DEFENCE WHITE PAPER

Regional security environments 63
2.97 Since 2001, Australia has made an important contribution to
Afghanistan’s security, to help prevent Afghanistan again becoming
a safe haven for terrorism that threatens Australia and the wider
world. After more than a decade of ADF commitment, Afghan security
institutions continue to make progress. But the security environment in
Afghanistan will remain challenging and international assistance will
continue to be required to solidify security gains.
The Middle East
2.98 Instability and threats to global security in the Middle East have
engaged Australia’s interests since the First World War. Australia has
long-standing strategic interests in preventing the spread of violent
extremism from the Middle East to our region and globally and in
supporting stability and the security of vital trade and energy flows
through the Middle East.
SECTION ONE STRATEGY
2.99 Turbulence in the Middle East will continue to be a feature of the global
strategic environment to 2035, with implications for countries around
the world including Australia. Sectarian tensions are worsening, internal
and regional dynamics are in flux and ungoverned spaces are spreading
across the Middle East and North Africa and the Sahel. Current conflicts
in the Middle East and North Africa and the Sahel are significant sources
of global insecurity promoting terrorism and threatening global trade and
energy flows.
2.100 Australia is committed to supporting the Government of Iraq with its
efforts to defeat Daesh. Daesh has proven to be a resilient and adaptive
fighting force. While the extreme nature of Daesh appears medieval,
Daesh has proven to be adept at attracting foreign terrorist fighters to
Iraq and Syria and at using the internet and social media to encourage
terrorist activities in countries around the world including in Australia.
2016 DEFENCE WHITE PAPER