Government appoints commission on Afghanistan

Today the Government, by Royal Decree, has appointed a commission to evaluate and draw lessons from Norway’s civilian and military involvement in Afghanistan during the period 2001–2014. 

‘Norway has had a broad civilian and military engagement in Afghanistan since 2001. As Afghanistan is now entering a new phase, in which Afghans themselves are assuming responsibility for the security and governance of their own country, the time has come for an evaluation of the overall Norwegian effort,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende. 

The commission is to ensure that the experience gained in Afghanistan can be used for planning, organising and implementing future Norwegian contributions to international operations. 

‘After almost 13 years in Afghanistan, the ISAF mission will end on 31 December. ISAF has carried out a wide variety of tasks, using a broad range of measures. It is important that our experience is now systematised, so that we can draw on the lessons we have learned in future operations,’ said Minister of Defence Ine Eriksen Søreide. 

The commission will be led by Bjørn Tore Godal, former government minister and ambassador. 

The work of the commission will start in January 2015. Its report is to be submitted to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Defence by 1 June 2016.

Commission members 

The Government has appointed experts with extensive knowledge about Afghanistan, Norwegian security policy and defence policy, international relations, peacebuilding, post-conflict reconstruction, aid and humanitarian policies, civilian–military cooperation, human rights and international law. 

The following people have been appointed to the commission: 

• Former Ambassador Bjørn Tore Godal, Oslo, chair  
• Professor Mats Berdal, London 
• Professor Gunhild Hoogensen Gjørv, Tromsø 
• Retired General Torgeir Hagen, Hamar 
• Director Kristian Berg Harpviken, Oslo
• Senior Partner Gro Nystuen, Veierland  
• Professor Sten Rynning, Odense 
• Senior Researcher Astri Suhrke, Bergen 
• Professor Rolf Tamnes, Oslo
• Researcher Torunn Wimpelmann, Bergen