| Description |
1 online resource (29 pages) |
| Series |
National Security Studies Program policy paper |
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National Security Studies Program policy paper
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| Contents |
Introduction. -- Part 1: Context and main developments in 2010. -- Part 2: Initial contacts between the Afghan government and the insurgents. -- Part 3: Reconciliation in 2010. -- Part 4: Aims and obstacles. -- Conclusion: elements for a reconciliation framework |
| Summary |
The debate about 'reconciliation' between Taliban insurgents and the Afghan government started moving again in 2010. What remains unclear is whether a process of reconciliation has already commenced and meaningful contacts with the insurgents have been established. Substantive talks, however, are clearly not yet underway. These developments have created a growing fear among important social, political, and ethnic groups in Afghanistan that President Hamid Karzai might go for a deal with the Taliban, or certain elements of the movement. This is seen by many Afghans as a Pashtun solution, at the expense of other ethnic minorities and women. It has increased polarization and mistrust and undermines the still-weak Afghan institutions. This paper analyzes these developments in light of the debate over 'reconciliation.' The first section provides an overview of the context and clarifies the language of the current debate in order to avoid misunderstandings and shed light on the 'public diplomacy' spin that aims to show progress where there is little. The second and third sections detail and weigh the reported initial contacts between insurgents and the Afghan government. The fourth section describes the motivations of the main actors, discusses the aspects of a negotiated settlement in Afghanistan - principles, obstacles, and possible steps and mechanisms - and explores the likelihood of such a process being initiated. The paper concludes with recommendations and suggestions on where to begin and what needs to be changed for the process to have a chance of success. The reconciliation process is only in a very early stage, and many questions remain unanswered. These include many details about how meaningful negotiations can be structured, both at the Afghan level and internationally |
| Notes |
May 2011 |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references (pages 26-29) |
| Notes |
Title from p.1 screen (viewed on May 26, 2011) |
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Mode of access: World Wide Web |
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System requirements: Adobe Reader |
| Subject |
Taliban.
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| SUBJECT |
Taliban. fast (OCoLC)fst00743547 |
| Subject |
Peace-building -- Afghanistan
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Afghan War, 2001-2021.
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Diplomatic negotiations in international disputes.
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Diplomatic negotiations in international disputes.
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Peace-building.
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Politics and government
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| SUBJECT |
Afghanistan -- Politics and government -- 2001-2021
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| Subject |
Afghanistan.
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| Form |
Electronic book
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| Author |
New America Foundation
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