CIAO DATE: 01/2013
September 2012
Norwegian Peacebuilding Resource Centre
The future of Afghanistan is uncertain and dependent on a dynamic interplay of global, regional and local factors. The evolving political realities in turn must determine the future Norwegian role. For political and strategic reasons the engagement with Afghanistan should continue on a significant level within already established development sectors, provided that such involvement does not undermine other Norwegian foreign and security objectives. The key geopolitical importance of Afghanistan within the Central and South Asia regions means that heavy Norwegian involvement will potentially entangle the country in conflicts and antagonisms with major actors of importance to Norway. But, handled competently, these risks are also policy opportunities. With peace and reconciliation playing a more central role, some space for Norway in this regard could open up, but it still seems likely to be some time off and outside the role Norway plays in the “regional approach”.
Resource link: Continuity and flexibility advised: The case for Norway's future engagement with Faryab and Afghanistan [PDF]