International Alert would like to thank participants for taking part in the discussion around the implications of the drawdown of troops in Afghanistan in 2014 for conflict in the neighbouring region. We are pleased to be able to share the summary of the event.
The quality of participants’ input really allowed the conversation to explore new areas and open fresh questions for analysis, especially on issues relating to the informal economy, political bargains, and governance more broadly. Positive opportunities for peace were emphasised as much as threats to stability. Indeed, as the conclusion in the attached document points out:
‘..military withdrawal and the opening up of a new transition period in Afghanistan present a new, positive opportunity for change. There will be space for new bargains. Influencing these bargains and settlements towards outcomes that strengthen peace in the region will require an understanding of the social, economic and political levers for change. These may include education, the transformation of political elites, the role of regional powers such as Iran and Russia, and, perhaps most importantly, the creation of economic opportunities’.
As 2014 draws nearer Alert will be exploring the Forum’s conclusions and opportunities for positive change further. We would welcome further feedback and engagement.
We invite you to join or continue the discussion online.
The CIF team.
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| ConflictIdeasForum4.0_Summary.pdf [3] | 100.18 KB |