Security and Peace in Afghanistan : Before and after 2014

Abstract

The military campaign of the forces of the United States, NATO and the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) increases distance between the Afghan opposition, the Karzai government, and the international forces in Afghanistan. Along with this, the failure of the Karzai government to provide security and protect Afghans against the insurgency, provide basic public services, support day-to-day economic activities, and institute urgently needed programs that can provide tangible economic and social results, reduces chances for any foreseeable stability and peace. To overcome these challenges and enable the Afghans to live in peace, security, and prosperity, the invading forces must agree to negotiate with the resistance, towards political compromise and a negotiated settlement, with complete withdrawal of their forces from Afghanistan. Leaving behind even a small contingency of troops would in effect mean the continuation of war. Once negotiations have taken place and agreements have been reached, the United Nations Security Council should mandate the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to send their troops as monitors and peacekeepers to Afghanistan.