Peace and Securtiy

Peace pigeon sign, peace day, ©ACSFo, Kabul, 2007

Introduction

Peace and security are a matter of central concern for the people of Afghanistan. In large parts of the country, most of all in the south and south east of Afghanistan, instability and insecurity prevail. This, of course, is a hindrance for development. Security and development therefore are closely related. Once a basic level of security will have been achieved that will allow for progress in other fields.

HBS is tackling matters of peace and security at the national as well as the regional level.
With our partner organizations The Liaison Office (TLO) we have been working in Paktia, Paktika and Khost since 2003. We have supported research on a number of issues, and we have supported exchange between traditional and newly established political structures. In 2009, HBS partner organization Women’s Assistance Association (WAA) held a women’s jirga in Paktia that attracted a lot of attention and was fully broadcasted on local TV. Since 2009, HBS is looking into possibilities to engage in cross-border exchange in the province of Nangahar.

On the regional level, HBS supports a trilateral exchange program between Pakistan, India and Afghanistan to share experience and bolster ties between the three countries.

Internal Security

Study Paper

How do International Actors React When Their Universalistic Project is challenged? An Evaluation of Western Policies in Afghanistan under Conditions of a Drawdown

November 27, 2011 - In 2014 Western combat troops will leave Afghanistan after 13 years of engagement. In the wake of this caesura certain policy changes of actors of the international community have taken place. The author traces these changes in the cases of (I) the negotiations with the Taliban and (II) German governmental development cooperation. Thomas Kieschnick more»

Article

A Trip to Taliban Stronghold

- January 27, 2011 -

For a long time, security along the Gultapa road in Northern Afghanistan made the area difficult to access.

Afghan journalist Noor ul Ain from the Dari language daily 8 a.m recently travelled along this road and found the situation much improved. Yet, in his trip it became evident: What people are still in need for is development – schools, healthcare and governmental services that make it not only a secure place for now but that open prospects to the people in that area.

Noor ul Ain more»

The Peace Jirga: An Exclusive Gathering

Why more women are needed than invited

- June 1, 2010 - Facts can be hard to obtain in Afghanistan and to verify them becomes a challenging exercise, even if it is about the date or details of the government’s biggest conference in years. A day before the Peace Jirga in Kabul starts, neither a list of participants nor the agenda have been released. Some are confident that the Jirga will deliver results. They point out that the mere fact that a broad variety of people come together and exchange views on whether and how peace can be achieved in Afghanistan is positive. By Bente Aika Scheller. more»

TLO-Policy Brief

Tribal Jurisdiction and Agreements: The Key to Sub-National Governance in Southeastern Afghanistan

- March 10, 2010 - In many parts of Afghanistan, non-state institutions remain relevant to security and stability, despite repeated and concerted state-led attempts from the late 19th century onward to expand its administrative influence, including control over the provision of security and the administration of justice. This policy brief examines the historical background of tribal contracts, to what extent they still play a role in local governance today, and what implications can be drawn for the current promotion of community governance arrangements. Download Policy Paper (PDF in English, 14 pages, 336 Kb)

Regional Security