Afghanistan
Featured Publications & Tools
USIP experts provide a quick analysis on Defense Secretary Leon Panetta's announcement about the U.S. ending the combat mission earlier than expected.
USIP’s Afghanistan country director, Shahmahmood Miakhel, discusses the key events and issues of 2011, and what we should be looking out for in 2012, such as possible peace talks with the Taliban.
Much of the debate about a peace settlement with insurgents in Afghanistan focuses only on political or territorial power sharing. But a successful peace process will require a broader array of measures that allow conflicting parties to share influence and balance that influence with more roles for noncombatants, civilian political actors, and vulnerable groups.
This brief is based on recent discussions USIP held in Kabul on traditional dispute resolution (TDR) and women’s rights. Based on these discussions and USIP’s research, it outlines recommendations on how to increase access to justice for women. Sylvana Q. Sinha served as rule of law adviser in USIP’s Kabul office from November 2010 to November 2011.
USIP's Tim Luccaro and Sanaulla Tasal, both stationed in Kabul, discuss Afghan President Hamid Karzai's call for a "consultative loya jirga."
Former U.S. national security adviser Stephen Hadley and other top USIP staff briefed Hill members about a trip they took to Afghanistan and Pakistan this fall.
USIP leaders explain the effect that events around the world and here at home will have on the U.S., and the contributions the Institute can and does make during a time of tremendous challenge – and opportunity.
Experts from the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) are closely following developments in Afghanistan, Pakistan and U.S. policy. In a series of reports and interviews, they cover a wide range of issues.
Latest from USIP on Afghanistan
- October 2, 2012 | Publication
In The New York Times, USIP President Jim Marshall outlines the strategic importance of ensuring a legitimate election in Afghanistan and Afghan President Hamid Karzai’s great opportunity to strengthen his country’s democracy.
- October 2, 2012 | Course
Learn how to build the capacity of law enforcement actors and institutions to provide civilian-led security to the population, including how to assess capacity, identify the appropriate police structure to respond to specific issues, and transfer knowledge to police actors, from the ministry to the local station.
- September 27, 2012 | Publication
The U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) and the non-profit Partnership for a Secure America (PSA) on September 27 held the first meeting in their “Congressional Briefing Series--Topics on International Conflict Resolution and Prevention.”
- September 25, 2012 | Publication
Frances Z. Brown and William Byrd, two of USIP's Afghanistan specialists, discuss the challenges facing Afghanistan in transitioning to full national control over its security and domestic affairs as international military activity and other assistance wind down.
Overview
USIP works to promote peace and stability in Afghanistan, and has since 2002. The Institute runs programs designed to improve understanding of peaceful dispute resolution, advance peace education in schools and communities, enhance dialogue between leading Afghans and the international community, and promote the rule of law. USIP established an office in Kabul in 2008. This on-the-ground presence has greatly increased USIP‘s contact with and understanding of events, programs, and attitudes in Afghanistan, and has strengthened its capacity to execute innovative and effective programs in the country. | Read more
USIP Goals in Afghanistan
USIP experts in Kabul and Washington are working diligently toward peace and stability by implementing projects aimed at:
- Strengthening Peaceful Reconciliation and Capacity to Mitigate Conflict
- Enhancing the Rule of Law
- Improving Cooperation for Peace, Security, and Economic Development
- Increasing Understanding and Effectiveness of Operations in Afghanistan
In the Field: The Kabul Office
USIP maintains a full-time presence in Afghanistan to help plan, implement, and oversee all USIP projects in Afghanistan.The Kabul Office staff is made up of Americans and Afghans who play an indispensable role in providing the latest on-the-ground information on Afghanistan and who support and administer all USIP programs in the country. | Read more
Publications & Tools
The following are highlights to USIP's publications and tools on Afghanistan.
- Beyond Power Sharing: Institutional Options for an Afghan Peace Process
Peaceworks by Hamish Nixon and Caroline Hartzell - Afghan Peace Requires ‘Will and Ideas’
News Feature - Value of Police Assistance
Q+A with Robert Perito, director of USIP's Security Sector Governance Center - Building Peace and a Partnership with the Military
Q+A with USIP Chief of Staff Retired Col. Paul Hughes - Browse all Afghanistan publications >>
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