Afghanistan. A Country Profile. Compiled by: Hima Bindu, Intern, CAS
|
|
- Garry Rich
- 6 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 Afghanistan A Country Profile Compiled by: Hima Bindu, Intern, CAS 2017
2 Political Geography Afghanistan is a landlocked multi-ethnic country located at the crossroads of South and Central Asia. It lies along major trade routes connecting Southern and Eastern Asia to Europe and the Middle East. For centuries, Afghanistan has been sought after as an asset for building great empires, and great armies have attempted to control the land. Illustration 1: Map of Afghanistan. Source: University of Texas Libraries
3 The country s stubborn landscape of deserts and mountains had put many imperial ambitions to rest. However, decades of conflict have damaged the country s social fabric and rendered it vulnerable to socio-political schisms. The country covers an area of 652,230 square kilometers. It shares an international border with six countries: China, Pakistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan. Afghanistan does not recognize the Durand Line as the international border with Pakistan. The country s capital is in Kabul and it is administratively organized under 34 provinces known as welayats. The country is endowed with a rich natural resource base whose potential has not been fully exploited owing to lack of stability and poor infrastructure. MODERN HISTORY The modern boundaries of Afghanistan were established in the late 19 th century as a result of the rivalry between the British and Russian empires. Afghanistan often became a pawn in the struggle between Great Powers over ideology, geo-political and commercial interests. The country gained independence from British imperial control on 19 August However, under the royal regime of King Zahir Shah ( ) the country attempted to leverage from geo-political competition by attracting large amounts of foreign aid for development and modernization. Monarchical rule was put to an abrupt end in July 1973 following a coup d état by the King s cousin, Sardar Mohammad Daud who established a Republican regime ( ) and moved closer to the USSR. A turning point in the country s modern history came with a bloody coup initiated by the country s leftist party known as the People s Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA) in With the backing of the USSR, members of the PDPA in the armed forces initiated a bloody coup d état against Daud and seized power in April The new government headed by Noor Muhammad Taraki invoked suspicion and hostility owing to its avowed atheism as well as its land, marriage and education policies for
4 women. The PDPA government was soon faced with growing unrest and it invited Soviet intervention. The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in December 1979 the country has been brutalized by conflict. Soviet withdrawal in February 1989 was followed by years of incessant armed struggle between the Soviet installed government of Dr. Najibullah and the Islamic opposition known as the mujahideen, backed by the US and its allies. The demise of the Soviet Union sounded the death knell for the Najibullah government whose collapse in April 1992 ushered in mujahideen rule ( )- a period characterized by some of the most viscous fighting among various mujahideen factions and grotesque abuse of human rights. The chaos of the mujahideen period set the stage for the rise of what eventually came to be known as the Taliban movement that arose in the South of Afghanistan around Promising to put an end to the rampant lawlessness and fragmentation of authority that came to characterize the mujahideen period the Taliban backed by Pakistan as well as initial support of the local populace yearning for peace eventually drove the mujahideen from Kabul in September One of their first acts upon entering the capital was to capture and brutally execute the former Afghan president, Dr. Najibullah who had sought refuge in the UN compound in Kabul for the last four years. This was a sign of things to come. The Taliban established a theocratic government ( ) that was characterized by relative order underpinned by complete disregard for rights of women and minorities. Afghanistan in the meantime had also emerged as a haven for narco-trafficking and the proliferation of violent non-state entities like the al-qaeda network. Thus, by the dawn of the 21 st century Afghanistan s infrastructure and economy were in shambles and its people too. By the 21 st century, an entire generation of Afghans raised knowing nothing but war. The attacks of the 9/11 on US soil proved to be the immediate spark for the US to lead its allies in the international community into a military offensive into Afghanistan in The US toppled the Taliban which it believed provided refuge and support to the al Qaeda leadership that had masterminded the 9/11 attacks. A new transitional leadership under Hamid Karzai was installed under the auspices of the Bonn Agreement in December In 2004 the country held
5 elections, which saw Hamid Karzai assume office of the President. Having served as President for two terms Karzai made way for his successor Ashraf Ghani who was elected to the office of the President in 2014 in a highly controversial election marred by claims of fraud. The ensuing political stalemate was broken by installing a National Unity Government under terms of which President Ghani shares power with his principal opponent Dr. Abdullah Abdullah. The government continues to grapple with corruption, internal squabbling, a fragile economic and security situation. In spite of these challenges this political transition marks the first peaceful transfer of power in the country- a landmark eluded neighboring Pakistan for close to six decades. Society and Culture Afghanistan is a multiethnic society and its national anthem mentions 14 ethnic groups. It has a population of approximately 32 million. Approximately 63 per cent of the population of the country is classified as youth i.e. under the age of 25 years. The population of the country is divided into a wide variety of ethno linguistic groups. Some of the major ethnic groups are as follows: Pashtun who comprise of two fifths of the population, Tajik, Hazara, Uzbek, Aimak, Turkman and Baloch and others.
6 Illustration 2: Ethno-Linguistic Map of Afghanistan. Source: Wikimedia The people of Afghanistan form a mosaic of linguistic groups. Pashto and Persian (Dari) are the two official languages of the country. More than two-fifths of the population speaks Pashto, which is the language of the major ethnic group Pashtuns. However, Dari has traditionally been the lingua franca of the elite and the medium of inter-ethnic exchange. In addition to the two official languages, Turkmen, Uzbeki, Baloch, Pashai, Nuristani are some of the other languages
7 spoken in the country. There are also several dialects between the minor ethnic groups. Tajik, Hazara and Aimak people s dialect is closer to the Persian spoken in Iran (Farsi). Nearly, all the people of Afghanistan are Muslims, of whom three-fourths are Sunnites. The others, particularly the Hazara and Kizilbash follow Shi-ite Islam. Sufism is also practiced widely. Previously the country had a large population of Afghan Hindus, Sikhs and small community of Jews. However, following years of violent conflict all Jews, except one have left while Hindus and Sikhs now number only in a few thousands. ECONOMY The development of its economy was planned with Soviet assistance in the 1950 s where it lacked social organization and institutions and managerial and technical skills. Until 1979, the country s economic growth was guided by five-year plans and seven year plans with the financial assistance from foreign countries. During this period, many infrastructural projects were undertaken, however aid declined by the 70 s which severely affected the economy. In the subsequent war years, agricultural production was disrupted, shortage of food and stagnant industrial output hindered development with the exclusion of natural gas and some key industries. Following more than two decades of war, and in the face of the Taliban s harsh social policies, few educated Afghans with even basic technical skills remained in the country. In effect, any remains of a modern economy largely collapsed during the 1990s. Public and private investment in productive enterprises was rare. Foreign aid agencies and groups, governmental and
8 nongovernmental, provided what few services were available, but these met only basic humanitarian needs. During the 1990s-economic activity flourished mostly in illicit enterprises, such as growing opium poppies for heroin production and smuggling goods. The taxing of Afghan-Pakistani trade contributed much revenue to the Taliban s war chest. As the Taliban s prime source of income, it overshadowed the taxing of opium trafficking. But that part of trade involved a massive smuggling of goods which affected the local industry and revenue collections and created temporary food shortages, inflation, and increased corruption in Afghanistan and neighboring countries. Poppy cultivation was the major source of income for farmers, but they shared little in its full profits. However, the drug economy did was essential as it enabled the Taliban to pursue its war effort. By the late 1990s Afghanistan had become the world s largest producer of opium and was thought to be the main source of heroin exported to Europe, North America, and elsewhere. Although the Taliban successfully banned the growing of opium poppies in 2000, drug trafficking continued due to large reserves of opium warehoused in the country. Production returned after the fall of the Taliban in 2001 and reached record levels in The revival of the opium trade enriched both corrupt government officials and the Taliban insurgency, which was believed to collect tens of millions of dollars a year from the industry. Most of the population continues to be engaged in agriculture, though the destruction caused by war has been a force for urbanization by driving many from the countryside. Many Afghans brought up in refugee camps lack the farming skills they need to survive, and the country s agricultural sector needs restoration, particularly its destroyed and degraded irrigation system. Decades of conflict devastated the Afghanistan s economy, which led to many people leaving the country. The economy has improved significantly since the fall of the Taliban regime in 2001 due to the country s high dependence on foreign aid as the international community is committed to country s development. The international community pledged over $67 billion between 2003 and In 2012, the donors at Tokyo Conference pledged $16 billion in civilian aid until
9 2015. Despite the aid, Afghanistan still faces several challenges with poor infrastructure and weak governance and corruption. Source: Council on Foreign Relations The Afghanistan s GDP has dramatically doubled since However, it needs to overcome several challenges, including low revenue, weak skill capacity, corruption and poor public infrastructure. The country s growth rate had slowed down in The withdrawal of international security forces in 2014 has negatively affected growth as their presence significantly contributed to the service sector. In view of such shifts, President Ghani has dedicated to improving revenue collection and fighting corruption through institutional and economic reforms.
10 Bibliography Agency, Central Intelligence. The World Factbook. January 17, (accessed February 26, 2016). Barfield, Thomas. Afghanistan: A Cultural and Political History. Princeton and Oxford: Princeton University Press, Dupree, Louis. Afghanistan. Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press, Relations, Council on Foreign. Afghanistan s Dependence on Foreign Aid. January 11, (accessed March 28, 2017). Saikal, Amin. Modern Afghanistan: A History of Struggle and Survival. London: I B Tauris, the Gulf/2000 Project (accessed February 28, 2017). UNFPA Afghanistan. Young People. (accessed February 28, 2017).
AFGHANISTAN: THE PAST, THE PRESENT, AND OUR FUTURE
AFGHANISTAN: THE PAST, THE PRESENT, AND OUR FUTURE Table of Content 1. Afghanistan In the Heart of Asia 2. Demographic Facts about Afghanistan 3. Afghanistan s Historical Timeline 4. From Transition to
More informationAFGHANISTAN. The Trump Plan R4+S. By Bill Conrad, LTC USA (Ret) October 6, NSF Presentation
AFGHANISTAN The Trump Plan R4+S By Bill Conrad, LTC USA (Ret) October 6, 2017 --NSF Presentation Battle Company 2 nd of the 503 rd Infantry Regiment 2 Battle Company 2 nd of the 503 rd Infantry Regiment
More informationAFGHANISTAN: TRANSITION UNDER THREAT WORKSHOP REPORT
AFGHANISTAN: TRANSITION UNDER THREAT WORKSHOP REPORT On December 17-18, 2006, a workshop was held near Waterloo, Ontario Canada to assess Afghanistan s progress since the end of the Taliban regime. Among
More informationA Historical Timeline of Afghanistan
A Historical Timeline of Afghanistan Soviet soldiers in Afghanistan The land that is now Afghanistan has a long history of domination by foreign conquerors and strife among internally warring factions.
More informationCenter for Strategic & Regional Studies
Center for Strategic & Regional Studies Kabul Weekly Analysis-Issue Number 164 (May 7-14, 2016) Weekly Analysis is one of CSRS publications, which significantly analyses weekly economic and political events
More informationWorld Conflicts: Asia and the Middle East Afghanistan
World Conflicts: Asia and the Middle East Afghanistan A country long plagued by foreign occupations, repressive governments, political instability, and warfare, Afghanistan became a center of international
More informationAfghan Public Opinion Amidst Rising Violence
Afghan Public Opinion Amidst Rising Violence Questionnaire Dates of Survey: November 13-November 24, 2006 Margin of Error: +/- 2.2 % Sample Size: 2,097 Q1. Generally speaking, do you think things in Afghanistan
More informationANNEX 5. Public. Chronology of relevant events
ICC-02/17-7-Anx5 20-11-2017 1/6 NM PT ANNEX 5 Public Chronology of relevant events ICC-02/17-7-Anx5 20-11-2017 2/6 NM PT CHRONOLOGY OF RELEVANT EVENTS In accordance with Regulation 49(3), the Prosecution
More informationIslamic Republic of Afghanistan
National name: Jomhuri-ye Eslami-ye Afghanestan President: Hamid Karzai (2002) Total area: 647,500 sq km Population (2007 est.): 31,889,923 (growth rate: 2.6%); birth rate: 46.2/1000; infant mortality
More informationStatus quo or New Power Structure. By Dr. Hussain Yasa
Afghanistan Status quo or New Power Structure By Dr. Hussain Yasa Disclaimer Present Situation 1. Almost a complete security Collapse 2. State Building Process Failed 3. Record Breaking Corruption 4. Ill
More informationWho, Where,And When : USSR vs Afghanistan resistance group (80% mujahideen) Front: Mainland of Afghanistan December 1979-February 1989
Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989) Vocabulary: KHAD (Afghan secret police) LCOSF (Limited Contingent of Soviet Forces) Who, Where,And When : USSR vs Afghanistan resistance group (80% mujahideen) Front: Mainland
More informationAfghanistan: Rebuilding Infrastructure in a Post-Conflict State
Afghanistan: Rebuilding Infrastructure in a Post-Conflict State GORDON WEYNAND Energy Team Leader Office of Infrastructure & Engineering USAID Bureau for Economic Growth, Agriculture, & Trade [on behalf
More informationSoviet Afghan Insurgency. Humanitarian Issues Quelling the Insurgency. By: Ansh Patel, McKenna Gillard, and Amruta Ponugupati
Soviet Afghan Insurgency Humanitarian Issues Quelling the Insurgency By: Ansh Patel, McKenna Gillard, and I. History of the Soviet-Afghan Insurgency The Soviet Afghan Insurgency was centralized in Afghanistan
More informationAIR COMMAND AND STAFF COLLEGE AIR UNIVERSITY SUSTAINING THE AFGHAN ECONOMY. Mukesh Kumar Yadav, Wg Cdr, Indian Air force
AIR COMMAND AND STAFF COLLEGE AIR UNIVERSITY SUSTAINING THE AFGHAN ECONOMY By Mukesh Kumar Yadav, Wg Cdr, Indian Air force A research report submitted to the faculty In partial fulfillment of graduation
More informationFIGHTING DRUGS AND CREATING ALTERNATIVE LIVELIHOODS
FIGHTING DRUGS AND CREATING ALTERNATIVE LIVELIHOODS 1.01 The Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan is committed to tackling and ending the cultivation and trafficking of drugs. At the National
More informationAGORA ASIA-EUROPE. Regional implications of NATO withdrawal from Afghanistan: What role for the EU? Nº 4 FEBRUARY Clare Castillejo.
Nº 4 FEBRUARY 2012 AGORA ASIA-EUROPE Regional implications of NATO withdrawal from Afghanistan: What role for the EU? Clare Castillejo The US and NATO may have a date to leave Afghanistan, but they still
More informationAfghanistan --Proposals: State Rebuilding, Reconstruction and Development-- (Outline) July 2004
Afghanistan --Proposals: State Rebuilding, Reconstruction and Development-- (Outline) July 2004 July 2004 Preface After the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, a military offensive
More informationPositive Vote, Future of Taliban & the Challenges Ahead
Innovative Research Independent Analysis Informed Opinion Afghanistan Elections 2014 Positive Vote, Future of Taliban & the Challenges Ahead D. Suba Chandran IPCS Special Report # 161 April 2014 AFGHANISTAN
More informationWhite Paper of the Interagency Policy Group's Report on U.S. Policy toward Afghanistan and Pakistan INTRODUCTION
White Paper of the Interagency Policy Group's Report on U.S. Policy toward Afghanistan and Pakistan INTRODUCTION The United States has a vital national security interest in addressing the current and potential
More informationRound Table Discussion on Pak-Afghan Relations: Future Prospects
Phone: +92 51 2514555 Email: info@muslim-institute.org www.muslim-institute.org Round Table Discussion on Pak-Afghan Relations: Future Prospects Organized by MUSLIM Institute MUSLIM Institute organized
More informationInternational Journal of Multicultural and Multireligious Understanding. Afghanistan: A Study in Internal Conflict and National Cohesion
Comparative Study of Post-Marriage Nationality Of Women in Legal Systems of Different Countries International Journal of Multicultural and Multireligious Understanding http://ijmmu.com editor@ijmmu.com
More informationChapter 1. The Country Context
Chapter 1 The Country Context Afghanistan is a landlocked South Asian country, sharing borders with Pakistan and China in the east, Iran in the west, and Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan in the
More informationThe new constitution, as adopted on January 4, 2004, At-a-Glance. Official name Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
At-a-Glance Official name Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Capital Kabul Population 28,513,677 (July 2004 est.) Size 250,001 sq. mi. (647,500 sq. km) Languages Official languages: Pashtu and Dari. Other
More informationFacilitating Human Security in Afghanistan Problems, Opportunities and Perspectives. Opening Presentation for the Panel Discussion 2
Facilitating Human Security in Afghanistan Problems, Opportunities and Perspectives Opening Presentation for the Panel Discussion 2 Conrad SCHETTER, ZEF 1. Human Security Approach In this presentation
More informationCultureGram: Afghanistan 2016
CultureGram: Afghanistan 2016 Land and Climate Located in central Asia, Afghanistan is roughly half the size of Peru and a little smaller than the U.S. state of Texas. Afghanistan is a landlocked country
More informationAFGHANISTAN AFTER NATO WITHDRAWAL
Scientific Bulletin Vol. XX No 1(39) 2015 AFGHANISTAN AFTER NATO WITHDRAWAL Laviniu BOJOR* laviniu.bojor@yahoo.com Mircea COSMA** mircea.cosma@uamsibiu.ro * NICOLAE BĂLCESCU LAND FORCES ACADEMY, SIBIU,
More informationCenter for Strategic & Regional Studies
Center for Strategic & Regional Studies Kabul Weekly Analysis-Issue Number 248 (April 14-21, 2018) Weekly Analysis is one of CSRS publications, which significantly analyses weekly economic and political
More informationNarco-Terrorism : Blurring the Lines Between Friend and Foe
Narco-Terrorism : Blurring the Lines Between Friend and Foe Abstract Counternarcotics have a history of controversy and importance in Afghanistan, and efforts to implement them alongside counterinsurgency
More informationfragility and crisis
strategic asia 2003 04 fragility and crisis Edited by Richard J. Ellings and Aaron L. Friedberg with Michael Wills Country Studies Pakistan: A State Under Stress John H. Gill restrictions on use: This
More informationUnit 7 Station 2: Conflict, Human Rights Issues, and Peace Efforts. Name: Per:
Name: Per: Station 2: Conflicts, Human Rights Issues, and Peace Efforts Part 1: Vocab Directions: Use the reading below to locate the following vocab words and their definitions. Write their definitions
More informationKardan University. Master s in International Relations Program Instructions and Sample Questions for Entry Test
Kardan University Master s in International Relations Program Instructions and Sample Questions for Entry Test Kardan University s entry test paper for Master s in International Relations Program will
More informationLetter dated 20 July 1999 from the Permanent Representative of Uzbekistan to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General
UNITED NATIONS AS General Assembly Security Council Distr. GENERAL A/54/174 22 July 1999 ORIGINAL: ENGLISH GENERAL ASSEMBLY Fifty-fourth session Items 20 (f) and 50 of the provisional agenda* STRENGTHENING
More informationCenter for Strategic & Regional Studies
Center for Strategic & Regional Studies Kabul Weekly Analysis-Issue Number 272 (Oct 20-27, 2018) Weekly Analysis is one of CSRS publications, which significantly analyses weekly economic and political
More informationCraig Charney Briefing Center for National Policy Washington, DC April 3, 2008
Afghanistan: Public Opinion Trends and Strategic Implications Craig Charney Briefing Center for National Policy Washington, DC April 3, 2008 Sources National Opinion Polls This presentation is based on
More informationHusain Haqqani. An Interview with
An Interview with Husain Haqqani Muhammad Mustehsan What does success in Afghanistan look like from a Pakistani perspective, and how might it be achieved? HH: From Pakistan s perspective, a stable Afghanistan
More informationRegime Collapse and a US Withdrawal from Afghanistan
Regime Collapse and a US Withdrawal from Afghanistan May 8, 2017 No one is willing to acknowledge the extent of the challenge in Afghanistan. Originally produced on May 1, 2017 for Mauldin Economics, LLC
More informationCONFLICT FORMATION AND TRANSFORMATION
Conflict Formation and Transformation 1 CONFLICT FORMATION AND TRANSFORMATION IN AFGHANISTAN SINCE 1973 DR. MOONIS AHMAR Abstract This paper will examine conflict conflagration in Afghanistan in the light
More informationPutin s Predicament: Russia and Afghanistan after 2014
Putin s Predicament: Russia and Afghanistan after 2014 Mark N. Katz Asia Policy, Number 17, January 2014, pp. 13-17 (Article) Published by National Bureau of Asian Research DOI: https://doi.org/10.1353/asp.2014.0009
More informationThe Soviet Transition in Afghanistan. Brigadier (Retired) Tom Longland
The Soviet Transition in Afghanistan Brigadier (Retired) Tom Longland Scope Strategic context Western propaganda & perceptions Similarities & differences What happened Précis of events historic narrative
More informationRemarks by. HE Mohammad Khan Rahmani, First Deputy Chief Executive, The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. WTO Tenth Ministerial Conference
Remarks by HE Mohammad Khan Rahmani, First Deputy Chief Executive, The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan at the WTO Tenth Ministerial Conference Nairobi, Kenya December 17, 2015 Your Excellency, Amina Mohamed,
More informationUNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL
UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL DESCRIPTION OF THE COMMITTEE Under the United Nations Charter, the Security Council is charged with the responsibility of maintaining international peace and security. While
More informationThe State of Minorities in Afghanistan
Annexure I The State of Minorities in Afghanistan Bushra Khaliq and Kashif Aslam Introduction Afghanistan is a unique case when it comes to minority rights, mainly because no ethnicity is a majority in
More informationThe Soviet Transition in Afghanistan Presented by Andrzej Frank on behalf of Brigadier (Retired) Tom Longland
The Soviet Transition in Afghanistan Presented by Andrzej Frank on behalf of Brigadier (Retired) Tom Longland Scope Strategic context Western propaganda & perceptions Similarities & differences What happened
More informationCenter for Strategic & Regional Studies
Center for Strategic & Regional Studies Kabul Weekly Analysis-Issue Number 174 (September 24 - October 1, 2016) Weekly Analysis is one of CSRS publications, which significantly analyses weekly economic
More informationOVERCOMING THE OBSTACLES TO ESTABLISHING A DEMOCRATIC STATE IN AFGHANISTAN
USAWC STRATEGY RESEARCH PROJECT OVERCOMING THE OBSTACLES TO ESTABLISHING A DEMOCRATIC STATE IN AFGHANISTAN by Colonel Dennis O. Young United States Army Dr. David L. Perry Project Adviser This SRP is submitted
More informationCountry Summary January 2005
Country Summary January 2005 Afghanistan Despite some improvements, Afghanistan continued to suffer from serious instability in 2004. Warlords and armed factions, including remaining Taliban forces, dominate
More informationAfghanistan: The Consolidation of a Rogue State
Afghanistan: The Consolidation of a Rogue State Zalmay Khalilzad, Daniel Byman The Washington Quarterly, Volume 23, Number 1, Winter 2000, pp. 65-78 (Article) Published by The MIT Press For additional
More informationCRS Report for Congress Received through the CRS Web
CRS Report for Congress Received through the CRS Web Order Code RS21041 October 5, 2001 Summary Taliban and the Drug Trade Raphael F. Perl Specialist in International Affairs Foreign Affairs, Defense,
More informationIndian-Pakistani competition in Afghanistan: Thin line for Afghanistan?
Indian-Pakistani competition in Afghanistan: Thin line for Afghanistan? Nov-Dec 2011 By: Brian R. Kerr Indian and Pakistani competition for influence in Afghanistan is not a recent phenomenon. Ever since
More informationCivil War and Political Violence. Paul Staniland University of Chicago
Civil War and Political Violence Paul Staniland University of Chicago paul@uchicago.edu Chicago School on Politics and Violence Distinctive approach to studying the state, violence, and social control
More informationNegotiating with the Taliban: Six Critical Conditions that Must Be Met to Avoid Another Peace to End All Peace
Negotiating with the Taliban: Six Critical Conditions that Must Be Met to Avoid Another Peace to End All Peace Anthony H. Cordesman There is no doubt that successful peace talks would be the best possible
More informationThe Role of Cultural Diplomacy and SAARC in Crisis Management and Conflict Resolution in. Afghanistan
Mohammad Naseem The Role of Cultural Diplomacy and SAARC in Crisis Management and Conflict Resolution in Afghanistan I. Introduction The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was established
More informationUS NSA s visit to South Asia implications for India
Author: Amb. Yogendra Kumar 27.04.2016 CHARCHA Photograph: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters US NSA s visit to South Asia implications for India An indication of the Administration s regional priorities has been
More informationCenter for Strategic & Regional Studies
Center for Strategic & Regional Studies Kabul Weekly Analysis-Issue Number 269 (Sep 29-Oct 6, 2018) Weekly Analysis is one of CSRS publications, which significantly analyses weekly economic and political
More informationDRAFT REPORT. EN United in diversity EN 2014/2230(INI) on the current political situation in Afghanistan (2014/2230(INI))
EUROPEAN PARLIAMT 2014-2019 Committee on Foreign Affairs 2014/2230(INI) 6.3.2015 DRAFT REPORT on the current political situation in Afghanistan (2014/2230(INI)) Committee on Foreign Affairs Rapporteur:
More informationAfghanistan. Afghanistan
12 Afghanistan 2 Afghanistan Synopsis By the time the US-led international coalition intervened militarily to remove the Taliban regime in October 2001, and the United Nations (UN)
More informationTABLE OF CONTENTS. Page. 1. Introduction The Current Situation In Afghanistan Refugees in neighboring countries 5
UNESCO AFGHANISTAN Paris, December 2001 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 1. Introduction 3 2. The Current Situation 4 2.1 In Afghanistan 4 2.2 Refugees in neighboring countries 5 3. The Strategy for Education Reconstruction
More informationEbook Code: REAU YEARS
Ebook Code: REAU5066 10-13 YEARS Contents Teachers Notes 4 Curriculum Links 5 Afghanistan Background Information 1-2 6-7 Afghanistan s Location 8 Lethal Landmines 9 Afghanistan And Politics 10 Afghanistan
More informationTHE AFGHAN SUMMER OF WAR Paul Rogers
International Security Monthly Briefing September 2006 THE AFGHAN SUMMER OF WAR Paul Rogers Lebanon During September, substantial numbers of foreign troops entered southern Lebanon to act as an enhanced
More informationCenter for Strategic & Regional Studies
Center for Strategic & Regional Studies Kabul Weekly Analysis-Issue Number 246 (March 31-7 April, 2018) Weekly Analysis is one of CSRS publications, which significantly analyses weekly economic and political
More informationH.E. Dr. Rangin Dadfar Spanta Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. at the General Debate
Please Check Against Delivery Permanent Mission of Afghanistan to the United Nations STATEMENT OF H.E. Dr. Rangin Dadfar Spanta Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan at the
More informationNet Assessment of Central Asia
Please see our new Content Guide! Menu Sign out Central Asia Net Assessment of Central Asia March 17, 2016 Given its geography and proximity to major global powers, the region is vulnerable to invasion
More informationNORTHERN DISTRIBUTION NETWORK AND CENTRAL ASIA. Dr.Guli Ismatullayevna Yuldasheva, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
NORTHERN DISTRIBUTION NETWORK AND CENTRAL ASIA Dr.Guli Ismatullayevna Yuldasheva, Tashkent, Uzbekistan General background Strategic interests in CA: geographically isolated from the main trade routes Central
More informationAn Afghan Futures Report
An Afghan Futures Report By D3 and ACSOR-Surveys Afghan Attitudes towards Migration and Returnees Although often overshadowed by ongoing violence and corruption, the issues of migrants, refugees, and returnees
More informationAFGHANISTAN LEGAL COUNTRY PROFILE
AFGHANISTAN LEGAL COUNTRY PROFILE COUNTRY OVERVIEW Afghanistan is located in a landlocked position between the Middle East, Central Asia and South Asia, with important trade routes connecting Southern
More informationTransition in Afghanistan: Future Scenarios
Transition in Afghanistan: Future Scenarios CLAWS Research Team Situated at the crossroads of Central Asia, Afghanistan has suffered from violent invasions since ancient times by the Greeks, Arabs, Persians,
More informationStatement of H.E. Hamid Karzai Chairman of the Interim Administration of Afghanistan
Statement of H.E. Hamid Karzai Chairman of the Interim Administration of Afghanistan Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi Mr. Secretary-General, Madame Chiarwoman, Distinguished Ministers, Excellencies, Ladies
More informationA Strategic Conflict Analysis of Afghanistan
A Strategic Conflict Analysis of Afghanistan Niklas L.P. Swanström Svante E. Cornell Prepared for the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) August 20, 2005 A Strategic Conflict Analysis
More informationTriangular formations in Asia Genesis, strategies, value added and limitations
11 th Berlin Conference on Asian Security (BCAS) Triangular formations in Asia Genesis, strategies, value added and limitations Berlin, September 7-8, 2017 A conference organized by the German Institute
More informationRUSSIA. This issue is for your personal use only. Published monthly in Russian and in English by Trialogue Company Ltd.
RUSSIA The circulation of this report has been strictly limited to the members of the Trialogue Club International and of the Centre russe d etudes politiques, Geneve. This issue is for your personal use
More informationAfghan Local Police-An Afghan Solution To An Afghan Problem
Afghan Local Police-An Afghan Solution To An Afghan Problem By Don Rector A frequent question that arises in regard to Afghanistan is, What are we doing that is successful?" Village Stability Operations
More informationCenter for Strategic & Regional Studies
Center for Strategic & Regional Studies Kabul Weekly Analysis-Issue Number 256 (June 16-23, 2018) Weekly Analysis is one of CSRS publications, which significantly analyses weekly economic and political
More informationEstablishment of peace and stability in Afghanistan
Forum: Issue: Student Officer: Position: The Security Council Establishment of peace and stability in Afghanistan Woo Seong Yoon Deputy President Introduction Afghanistan is situated in the high mountains
More informationAFGHANISTAN: MEETING THE REAL WORLD CHALLENGES OF TRANSITION
AFGHANISTAN: MEETING THE REAL WORLD CHALLENGES OF TRANSITION Anthony H. Cordesman January 23, 2012 Anthony H. Cordesman Arleigh A. Burke Chair in Strategy acordesman@gmail.com Cordesman: Afghanistan 23/1/2013
More informationEngaging Regional Players in Afghanistan Threats and Opportunities
Engaging Regional Players in Afghanistan Threats and Opportunities A Report of the CSIS Post-Conflict Reconstruction Project author Shiza Shahid codirectors Rick Barton Karin von Hippel November 2009 CSIS
More information12 Reconnecting India and Central Asia
Executive Summary The geopolitical salience of Central Asia for India was never in doubt in the past and is not in doubt at present. With escalating threats and challenges posed by religious extremism,
More informationSecurity Council. United Nations S/RES/1806 (2008) Resolution 1806 (2008) Distr.: General 20 March Original: English
United Nations S/RES/1806 (2008) Security Council Distr.: General 20 March 2008 Original: English Resolution 1806 (2008) Adopted by the Security Council at its 5857th meeting, on 20 March 2008 The Security
More informationCongressional Testimony
Congressional Testimony AFGHAN ELECTIONS: WHAT HAPPENED AND WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? Gilles Dorronsoro Visiting Scholar, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Written Testimony U.S. House of Representatives
More informationThe Role of Diaspora in Private Sector Development. Prepared by: Abdul Qadeer Fitrat Advisor to Executive Director The World Bank
The Role of Diaspora in Private Sector Development Prepared by: Abdul Qadeer Fitrat Advisor to Executive Director The World Bank Who are Afghan Diaspora? 4-5 million scattered across the globe Most Afghan
More informationReport- Book Launch 88 Days to Kandahar A CIA Diary
INSTITUTE OF STRATEGIC STUDIES web: www.issi.org.pk phone: +92-920-4423, 24 fax: +92-920-4658 Report- Book Launch 88 Days to Kandahar A CIA Diary March 11, 2016 Compiled by: Amina Khan 1 P a g e Pictures
More informationSESSION 8: ROADS TO RESPECT: LEARNING ABOUT DIFFERENT COMMUNITIES
SESSION 8: ROADS TO RESPECT: LEARNING ABOUT DIFFERENT COMMUNITIES Time 3 Hours - Childhood was so positive, there were no problems. School days were happy and safe. The sense of community was so strong,
More informationBush (41):
Bush (41): 1988-1992 Connecticut family WWII veteran TX HoR member U.S. Ambassador to the UN Head of the U.S. Liaisons Office in the PRC Director of CIA VP to Reagan Rise to the Presidency Took charge
More informationOral Statement of General James L. Jones, USMC, Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee 21 Sep 06
Oral Statement of General James L. Jones, USMC, Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee 21 Sep 06 Chairman Lugar, Senator Biden, distinguished members of the committee,
More informationAfghanistan at a Crossroads: Transnational Challenges and the New Afghan State
Afghanistan at a Crossroads: Transnational Challenges and the New Afghan State Kerry Lynn Nankivell Key Findings Afghanistan faces existential transnational threats such as cross-border militancy and weapons
More informationImmigration: Western Wars and Imperial Exploitation Uproot Millions. James Petras
Immigration: Western Wars and Imperial Exploitation Uproot Millions James Petras Introduction Immigration has become the dominant issue dividing Europe and the US, yet the most important matter which is
More informationReturnees and Refugees Afghanistan and Neighbouring Countries
Returnees and Refugees Afghanistan and Neighbouring Countries Afghanistan, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan Recent Developments The Bonn Agreement of December
More informationAfghanistan. capitol. size. population. kabul. 647,500 square kilometers slightly less than texas million
Afghanistan capitol kabul size 647,500 square kilometers slightly less than texas population 32.7 million eradicating extreme poverty and hunger 17,351,339 Afghans live below the poverty line each spot
More informationBELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE CHINA PAKISTAN ECONOMIC CORRIDOR (CPEC) Abdul Qadir Memon Consul General of Pakistan Hong Kong SAR
BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE CHINA PAKISTAN ECONOMIC CORRIDOR (CPEC) Abdul Qadir Memon Consul General of Pakistan Hong Kong SAR Pakistan Factsheet India 3,190 km Afghanistan 2,670 km Iran 959 km China 438
More informationCenter for Strategic & Regional Studies
Center for Strategic & Regional Studies Kabul Weekly Analysis-Issue Number 284 (Jan 12-19, 2019) Weekly Analysis is one of CSRS publications, which significantly analyses weekly economic and political
More informationIn 2001, Afghanistan embarked upon a new beginning with the overthrow of the Taliban
Introduction In 2001, Afghanistan embarked upon a new beginning with the overthrow of the Taliban regime, recognizing anew the contribution of the female half of its society. After years of minimal involvement
More informationA Resolution to Designate Pakistan as a State Sponsor of Terror
A Resolution to Designate Pakistan as a State Sponsor of Terror Terrorism has emerged as one of the largest threats to global peace and security; and Terrorist organizations have claimed hundreds of thousands
More informationNOREF Policy Brief. Afghanistan and the regional powers: history not repeating itself? Stina Torjesen
Oktober 2012 NOREF Policy Brief Afghanistan and the regional powers: history not repeating itself? Stina Torjesen Executive summary This brief surveys Afghanistan s links to four key regional powers: India,
More informationTHE AFGHAN ELECTIONS: IS ABDULLAH RIGHT THAT HE WAS WRONGED (TWICE)? By Andrew Garfield
THE AFGHAN ELECTIONS: IS ABDULLAH RIGHT THAT HE WAS WRONGED (TWICE)? By Andrew Garfield JUNE 2014 Andrew Garfield is a Senior Fellow in FPRI's Program on National Security. A U.S citizen since 2010, served
More informationIndia Afghanistan relationship can be traced in four phases; First phase, unfolds from Indian
Indo-Afghan Relations: Turning a new page under Modi? Praagya Singh Source: The Diplomat, 2016 Afghanistan is one of the immediate neighbours of India. India shares a long history of social and cultural
More informationSTABLE AFGHANISTAN: SUGGESTED GOVERNMENT MODELS FOR AFGHANISTAN IN POST AFGHAN WAR SCENARIO Ms. Afshan Sajid Introduction Traditionally, Afghan
STABLE AFGHANISTAN: SUGGESTED GOVERNMENT MODELS FOR AFGHANISTAN IN POST AFGHAN WAR SCENARIO Ms. Afshan Sajid Introduction Traditionally, Afghan society is the collection of several ethnic groups. These
More informationVoices From Central Asia
Voices From Central Asia No. 5, August 2012 The Voices from Central Asia series is a platform for experts from Central Asia, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Mongolia, and the neighboring countries. The local
More informationQ2. (IF RIGHT DIRECTION) Why do you say that? (Up to two answers accepted.)
Q1. Generally speaking, do you think things in Afghanistan today are going in the right direction, or do you think they are going in the wrong direction? 2005 2004 Right direction 40 54 55 77 64 Wrong
More informationAfghanistan in 2024: Muddling Through?
stability Kilcullen, D 2014 Afghanistan in 2024: Muddling Through? Stability: International Journal of Security & Development, 3(1): 37, pp. 1-6, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5334/sta.ej COMMENTARY Afghanistan
More informationThe Future of Afghanistan-Pakistan Trade Relations
The Future of Afghanistan-Pakistan Trade Relations Published: August 17, 2015 By: Ishrat Husain and Muhammad Ather Elahi Pakistan and Afghanistan are among each other s largest trading partners. Though
More information