Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 03/2015

Forging Afghanistan's National Unity Government

Ali Jalali

January 2016

United States Institute of Peace

Abstract

Afghanistan’s presidential election was resolved by a U.S.-brokered deal that led, ultimately, to a power-sharing arrangement within the new national unity government. This has set up tensions within the government—even as Afghanistan’s leaders face an uncertain political, economic, and security situation across the country, as international financial and military support draws down. The formation of the new government, however, also presents opportunities for serious reforms of Afghanistan’s government, which could lead to greater peace and security if seized effectively.