Reasons That Eluded Peace in Afghanistan sinc...

Reasons That Eluded Peace in Afghanistan since the End of the Cold War

Author Name : Rafiullah Barikzai, Dr. Zahid Hussain

ABSTRACT

The Afghan people suffered a lot from the war on terror, security issues, and political and economic instability since the US invasion in 2001. Pakistan is an important neighboring country of Afghanistan that can play a vital role in bringing amity and stability in Afghanistan as they have been supporting Taliban and they can help Afghanistan by facilitating the peace process. Both the US administration and the Afghan government demand Pakistan to influence and bring the Taliban to the table for talks and peace negotiations. In this context, this study aims to explore reasons that eluded the ongoing peace process that has so far created an understanding among the stakeholders that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is in the interest of the region. The study finds that there are greater issues to be dealt with carefully e.g., the governance system of the country, the constitution, and a viable power-sharing formula among all groups - government, political groups, and Taliban for upcoming future governance to be acceptable to all the stakeholders. Any successful peace deal needs a strong commitment on the part of all the stakeholders. Peace is the need of the hour not only for Afghanistan but for the whole region as well.

Key Words: Peace, Reconciliation, Negotiations, Conflict Resolution, Regional Security.