A Political Solution to the Afghanistan Crisis
To achieve stability, effective governance and prosperity, Afghanistan needs to reform and restructure its political institutions. This is a tall order in a country that is still reeling from years of turmoil, but it is not impossible. The U.S. Institute of Peace and the U.K.-based Overseas Development Institute held a panel discussion in London on July 10 that explored concrete steps and reforms that should be taken before 2020 to provide the foundation for long-term political stability.
Nearly 16 years after the start of the international intervention in Afghanistan, the country remains beset by a debilitating array of conflicts. It continues to experience economic and security decline since the withdrawal of a majority of international forces, and divided government since the 2014 elections has further undermined political stability. A lasting, inclusive and legitimate political settlement remains elusive.
This event convened senior officials, diplomats and experts from Afghanistan and its partner countries to launch a new USIP Special Report, “Political Stability in Afghanistan: A 2020 Vision and Roadmap,” released in early July and authored by ODI Executive Director Alex Thier and USIP Afghanistan and Central Asia Programs Director Scott Worden. The panelists also considered the implications of the recent news that the U.S. will send additional troops to Afghanistan, and discussed what should be included in any broader strategy for the country.
A recording of the event can be found on this event page.
Speakers
Said Tayeb Jawad
Ambassador of Afghanistan to the United Kingdom
Fawzia Koofi
Member of Afghan Parliament and Chair of the Women Affairs, Human Rights and Civil Society Committee (via videolink)
Scott Worden
Director, Afghanistan and Central Asia Programs, United States Institute of Peace
Alex Thier
Executive Director, ODI
