State, Security, and Economy in Afghanistan: Current Challenges, Possible Solutions

Abstract

The analyses in this report recognize that although Afghanistan has made substantial progress since 2001 – especially in building a functioning parliament, increasing health services, and education – critical issues remain. Democratic political institutions from the national to the local level remain underdeveloped, local perceptions of insecurity have increased substantially, an insurgency is mounting, suicide attacks are increasing, narcotics production has skyrocketed in some provinces, infrastructure and human capital development have been slow, the international community lacks a clear and common vision for Afghanistan, and a balance has yet to be found between international involvement and Afghan ownership in the country’s ongoing state- and security-building efforts. At the time of publication, Afghanistan stood at a critical juncture. This report addresses key issues related to security, development, economy, governance, rule of law, and regional relations critical to preventing a deterioration of progress that had been made and to continue positive development in the long term.