CIAO DATE: 08/2010
May 2010
Liechtenstein Institute on Self Determination, Princeton University
The report suggests that perceptions and lack of trust are key issues complicating governance reform in Afghanistan and the transfer of responsibilities for security and development from the international community to the Afghan government. “It has become apparent that the priority for both Afghans and the international community is to facilitate a transition of all domains of current donor country activities in Afghanistan to Afghans themselves, under the auspices of Afghan sovereignty,” the report notes. A “trust deficit” between Afghans, their government and the international community has significantly grown in the past 18 months. “Critical factors shaping the current situation in Afghanistan – those of time, costs, and stakes – are being perceived and prioritized differently by Afghan, regional, and international actors,” according to the study. In addition the report highlights the regional implications of an impending draw down of international forces in Afghanistan starting in 2011. “Various actors within Afghanistan and within the region are now realigning their policies,” motivated mainly by the perception that international forces will be exiting the country and donor support for Afghanistan will end in the near term.
Resource link: Afghanistan Implementation Colloquium [PDF] - 998K