Afghan Government Research Articles

A Look at Afghanistan – India Political Relations from 2001 to 2020

The largest doctrine of India's foreign policy divides countries into three concentric circles, with Afghanistan in the first circle. Therefore, this country is of special importance in India's foreign policy. The question that can be raised is, what is India's political aim in its foreign relations with Afghanistan? This work employed the doctrinal research methodology along with descriptive, explanatory, and analytical research approaches. This study was entirely based on library sources. The sources were textbooks, scholarly published and unpublished journal articles, law reports related to the research area. The expected result of this research is that in examining India's approach towards Afghan governments, an important point is that India has cooperated with different regimes in different periods, regardless of the regime ruling in Kabul. India is seeking to reduce the influence of Pakistan and engage in a political siege of Afghanistan by playing a role in internal developments and helping to rebuild the country. In this regard, India has tried to cooperate with other regional and influential powers in Afghanistan such as Iran in various fields to limit the role of Pakistan in the region.

Analysing the Resurgence of Terrorism in Pakistan: Causes and Remedies

This research article explores the ‘Resurgence of Terrorism in Pakistan’ since the withdrawal of NATO from Afghanistan and the Taliban takeover as the interim government of Afghanistan. It was widely believed that once the NATO forces were to pull back from Afghanistan, peace would prevail and bring an end to deadly waves of terrorist attacks in Pakistan, however, events took an alternate path. Pakistan has since suffered relentless attacks that caused immense agony to the general population. Facing political and economic instability, the resurgence of terrorism brought multiple challenges for Pakistan, causing an increase in socio-political-economic and cultural implications. Using the ‘Cyclic Theory’ of ‘Ibn-e-Khaldun’ and the concept of ‘Asabiyah’, this research will explore the resurgence of terrorism in the form of TTP 2.0 and the possible recommendations through which an end to terrorism in Pakistan can be brought.

Evaluating the Environmental & Socioeconomic Effects of Insufficient Water & Sanitation in Afghanistan

This study explores the current access to drinking water and sanitation in Afghanistan and identifies considerable differences in the coverage between urban and rural settings. About 30-33% of the population has access to safely managed drinking water sources and 68% has access to improved sanitation facilities. The study used the most recent and relevant literature, reports, and online data portals to explore the current water and sanitation situation and depict the importance of country-specific intervention strategies to address these critical challenges. The study notes the harmful social and environmental results of inadequate water and sanitation, including a threat to sensitive ecosystems, the prevalence of waterborne disease, and hunger. The Afghan government and development partners continue to work towards improving these conditions, but deficiencies in finance, institutional capacity, stakeholder coordination, and policy implementation remain. Local ownership and participation have been identified as key factors in ensuring the sustainability of the interventions in this research. The results underscore that community empowerment can potentially yield better results if its inclusion is ensured. The study highlights the need for greater community engagement in developing water and sanitation projects and gender-specific strategies, given that inadequate facilities often adversely affect women and girls. The study concludes with its recommendations to improve water and sanitation services through community-driven technologies, blended financing models, and need-based capacity-building initiatives. Through strengthened stakeholder collaboration and high priority on gender inclusion, Afghanistan can greatly improve access to safe and sustainable water and sanitation facilities and services, helping the country advance sustainable development progress in this vital sector.

تصویر رسانه‌یی افغانستان در اروپا (بررسی نمونۀ پولند (لهستان) و ظرفیت‌های تحول مثبت آن در پرتو فرهنگ حقوقی حامی محیط زیست)

Legal and non-legal factors, including religion, influence legal culture. In Europe, it is accepted that religious factors can have a disruptive effect on the legal system. The situation changes if faith carries positive arguments in favour of environmental protection. Thus, environmental legal norms receive additional justification. The example of Afghanistan is interesting because the image of this country in the European media is usually negative. Therefore, the research problem is the question: whether the negative image of Afghanistan can be changed through the involvement of the Afghan government and the Islamic faith in environmental issues. The thesis of the article is that such a change is possible because European societies do not always support the policies of great powers, are knowledgeable about climate change and at the same time are interested in other cultures. Media information from Poland shows that Afghanistan's religiously grounded approach to climate change provides arguments for international aid. An analysis of digital texts and literature was used for this purpose.

The availability of essential medicines in public health facilities in Afghanistan: navigating socio-political and geographical challenges.

During the past two decades, the Afghan government, along with international community, has developed a system aimed at improving access to essential health services under Afghanistan's challenging socio-political and geographical circumstances. In 31 provinces, non-state actors competed for fixed-term contracts to implement a predefined package of health services. In three provinces, the government organised the provision of health services. An independent third party monitored service provision, including access to medicines. This study examines the availability of essential medicines in Afghanistan's public health facilities and how this is shaped by socio-political challenges, geographical barriers, and the organisation of the health system. Between March and July 2021, enumerators collected data at 885 health facilities across Afghanistan. For our analysis, we combined data about medicine availability and the functioning of the health system with publicly available information about geographical and socio-political factors, including security incidents. Using regression analysis, we identified facility, district, and province-level factors related to medicines availability in public health facilities. On average, 70% of 31 selected essential medicines were available in 2021. The availability of medicines varies significantly between provinces and was considerably higher in those where services were contracted out to non-state actors (n=34; 91%) compared to provinces where service provision was organised by the government (n=3; 9%). The most important drivers of variation in medicine availability included geographical barriers, securing and allocating funds on the provincial level, and organising and sustaining physical capacity on the facility level. Insecurity was not a key factor driving variation in medicine availability. Despite the socio-political challenges in 2021, the availability of essential medicines in public health facilities was relatively high. The results suggest that decentralized procurement of medicines by non-state actors and timely payment of funds contribute to medicines availability. Strategies to improve medicines availability should target hard-to-reach areas and lower-level facilities.

From Crisis to Cure: the Afghan Refugee Dilemma, Security, and Technological Interventions

Abstract This article examines the fourth wave of Afghan refugees, focusing on two emerging migrant groups: women and girls facing restrictions in education and employment, and military personnel linked to the previous Afghan government. Using classical and modern immigration theories, it assesses the challenges that Afghan refugees face in Pakistan, emphasizing the persistence of nontraditional security threats, such as terrorism and violence by the Taliban. To improve refugee monitoring and management, the article proposes technological solutions, specifically using artificial intelligence (AI) and the blockchain. It explores how these technologies can enhance management of a refugee database, streamline legal processes, and provide services such as telemedicine and tele-education. Employing a qualitative contextual approach supported by primary and secondary data and insights from field and subject experts, the article concludes that, although technology can significantly enhance the welfare of Afghan refugees, its successful use depends on political commitment and a measured approach.

Rights and Obligations of the Afghan Government and Citizens in Environmental Protection

This research examines the environmental rights and obligations of the Afghan government and citizens, emphasizing collaborative approaches. It investigates government rights, including legislative authority and regulatory oversight, with corresponding obligations such as enacting and enforcing environmental laws. Citizen rights encompass environmental participation and access to information, with obligations like responsible consumption and conservation support. The study highlights collaborative rights involving public-private partnerships and international cooperation, emphasizing joint decision-making and resource sharing. The findings stress collective action, utilizing case studies and examples, and recommend strategic focus areas for both government and citizens, including Monitoring and Evaluation, Public-Private Collaboration, Regulatory Oversight Improvement, and Legislative Framework Strengthening. The research contributes to environmental governance understanding in Afghanistan, guiding sustainable development and conservation strategies.

Climate Change, Government Agricultural Expenditure, and Agricultural Growth Nexus in Afghanistan: An Investigation with FMOLS and DOLS Approaches

Agriculture is one of the main providers to Afghanistan’s economy. Since 2002, the government, in collaboration with donor organizations and the private sector, has undertaken various projects in the agricultural industry. However, a notable upsurge in atmospheric CO2 emissions has resulted in significant climate change influences in contemporary decades. Therefore, this article examines the causal association between climate change, government agricultural expenditure, and agricultural growth in Afghanistan from 2002 to 2020. Despite evidence that climate change may be a primary driver of Afghanistan’s agricultural production decline, no specific studies have addressed this matter comprehensively. This article’s empirical investigation reveals a negative association between CO2 emissions and agricultural production, indicating that rising emissions are linked to decreased agricultural output, subsequently impacting Afghanistan’s agricultural growth. Both theoretical considerations and empirical findings highlight the importance of adopting clean and green energy solutions and technologies to mitigate pollution in Afghanistan. Furthermore, the research underscores that the impacts of carbon dioxide emissions on agriculture production exhibit robust long-term dynamics, contributing to the heterogeneity of the findings. Additionally, the study establishes a positive correlation between government agricultural expenditure and agricultural production. Consequently, it is strongly recommended that the Afghan government take proactive initiatives to enhance the agricultural sector. This can be accomplished by allocating more financial resources and implementing projects that promise long-term benefits for the country’s agricultural development.

An Analysis of the Crucial Role of Religious Extremism Contributes to Afghanistan’s Political Instability

Purpose: Political stability in Afghanistan has been hindered by religious extremism. However, several parties have grown up within the country to oppose the government. These extremist groups employ suffering as a means of gaining political power rather than simply using religion Because Sunni, Shia, Hanafi, Wahhabi, and other religious individuals live and work to promote their religions, religious extremism has a significant effect on Afghanistan's political stability. This has led to numerous problems between the citizens and the government. Several explosions have happened in mosques targeting Shia. It is believed that non-Muslims are using this tactic to extend the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan distinctively. This paper aims to analyze the impact of religious extremism on political instability in Afghanistan. In this paper, the analysis is based on the fact that religious extremists have a great impact on the political stability of Afghanistan. Materials and Methods: The study emphasizes analytical and descriptive approaches to gathering and analyzing data, which is more consistent with qualitative studies. The primary approaches used to gather data for qualitative research encompass focus groups, observation, and interviews. Findings: The results of this study are as follows: (1) The analysis of religion is considered one of the important elements in Afghanistan, five categories of participants have different opinions about this response, 51% of respondents agree that religious extremes have an impact on Afghanistan political stability, 38% of participants strongly agree that religion has on impact on political stability in Afghanistan; (2) the supporting of militant groups has an impact on Afghan political instability, 5% of participants are neutral about this response, and 3% of the participants are strongly disagree about the above response. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: We recommend that the Afghan government strictly obey the rule of Islam and international partners should cooperate with Afghanistan in this field.

China's Response to the Expansion of U.S. Influence in Asia: The Intersection of Religion and Governance in Afghanistan (2011-2019)

Research Problem: The article addresses China’s concerns regarding the expansion of U.S. influence in Asia, particularly focusing on Afghanistan's strategic importance in the geopolitical competition between the two powers. The U.S. military presence and Afghanistan’s religiously influenced governance pose a significant challenge for China, which must navigate both political and religious dynamics to secure its interests in the region. This research investigates how these factors shape China’s foreign policy and its interactions with Afghanistan. Research purposes: The study aims to explore how China’s foreign policy towards Afghanistan has evolved in response to the geopolitical and religious landscape influenced by U.S. actions. Specifically, it examines China’s strategic calculations regarding Afghanistan’s religious governance and how this affects its efforts to engage with Afghan political actors, such as the Taliban, while maintaining its broader geopolitical and economic goals, including the Belt and Road Initiative. Research methods: The research employs a historical and analytical approach, drawing on data from 2011 to 2019 to examine China's foreign policy shifts in response to U.S. actions in Afghanistan. The study relies on secondary sources, including policy papers, academic works, and governmental reports, to assess China’s evolving role and strategies concerning the religiously influenced political structures in Afghanistan. Results and Discussion: The findings show that China’s foreign policy towards Afghanistan is significantly influenced by its concerns over U.S. military presence and alliances in the region. China’s engagement with Afghanistan has been shaped by the need to navigate the religious-political dynamics, particularly with the rise of religiously motivated actors such as the Taliban. China’s strategic responses include strengthening diplomatic ties, economic investments, and engaging with both Afghan religious and political leaders to secure its geopolitical interests. The article discusses how China's secular approach to governance contrasts with Afghanistan’s religious influences, affecting its foreign policy strategies. Research Implications and Contributions: This study contributes to the broader understanding of how religion, politics, and governance intersect in Afghanistan’s international relations, particularly with China. It provides insights into how China adapts its foreign policy to account for religiously motivated governance, while also pursuing its geopolitical goals in the region. The research offers valuable perspectives for policymakers and scholars on the interplay between religion, governance, and foreign policy in a strategically significant context like Afghanistan.

Examining the Rights of Foreign Tourists in the Law of Afghanistan

Today, travel and tourism are urgent needs of the world's modern culture that all people try to have fun and travel domestically or internationally, which is very important for countries in terms of business and economy. They always try to develop the tourist industry. To attract many tourists to the country, to improve the level of the country's economy, in addition to the development of economic infrastructure, and political and security stability, it is necessary to recognize the rights of tourists in domestic laws. Therefore, in this article, the right to tourism and the general rights of tourists in the legal system of Afghanistan are examined. So, the Afghan legislator recognized the right to tourism, freedom, and general human rights for individuals in the constitution, and according to Article 7 of this law, all the freedoms and general rights that are included in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights or the treaties that the Afghan government It is a member of foreign citizens, which includes the right to security (life and financial), the right to human dignity, the right to travel and choose residence, the right to privacy, the right to access the consulate, the right to go to court, and the right to access information. It recognizes the necessity and is obliged to observe it in the sovereignty of the government territory, and on the other hand, foreign tourists who come to Afghanistan must observe the norms, culture, and internal laws so as not to be against public opinion and conscience.

Erosion of Legitimacy: The Vicious Cycle of Disputed Elections and Poor Governance in Afghanistan

This article focuses on the interplay between disputed elections, political legitimacy, and effective governance in fragile contexts like Afghanistan, using the case of Panjshir Province to illustrate complex center-periphery dynamics. I draw evidence from the unsuccessful police operation (conducted by security forces deployed from the capital) against the fugitive Keramuddin Keram in Panjshir, which led to a standoff with armed residents, just a year before the collapse of the central government in August 2021. The reactions to the operation were part of a larger, much longer set of grievances that had come to define the relationship between Panjshir and Kabul. Panjshiri elites who once constituted one of the main pillars of power in the early post-2001 order, had increasingly found themselves marginalized, and their four attempts to win the presidency failed. I argue that the unsuccessful police operation is reflective of the way entrenched grievances intersect with the perceived (il)legitimacy of government in consequential ways. Drawing on interviews and observations from fieldwork (2019–2020) and the existing scholarly literature, this article problematizes arguments that reduce the challenges of subnational governance to push-and-pull between the central government and local elites. It draws attention instead to how disputed elections shape, animate and entrench local perceptions about the political system. It also calls into question the externally-led state and democracy-building trajectory, which overvalues the role of competitive elections in advancing the legitimacy of the client government.

Islamizing peoples with Afghani-‘Fundamentalism’? A Critical Review of Bangladeshi Newspaper

Taliban has re-emerged in the same position of power after 20 years with the withdrawal of US troops by whom the government of Afghanistan was ousted. This study examines how two prominent and highly circulated newspapers in Bangladesh, the Daily Star (DS) and Prothom Alo (PA), respectively English and Bangla dailies, have represented the issue of Taliban’s coming back to power and the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan and how they legitimate the Western intrinsic ideology of sense of superiority— for example, accepting authority of the US and invading powers; and vested agenda of the newspapers. It also argues that both newspapers accepted Orientalist perception of Western superiority— for example, encouraging invading parties to stay in Afghanistan and reject the freedom of Afghanistan people, which eventually promote the orientalist ideology at its core agenda— e.g., forming an enemy image of the non-West and perceive Islam and Muslims as a threat. Examining the news and editorials, this study argues that Bangladeshi newspapers have dehumanized and sidelined the people of the occupied land and favored the invaders instead. Therefore, these newspapers were involved in the exclusion process of Afghan people, which once again would mean that Bangladeshi newspapers constructed the image of Other inside us.

International aid management in Afghanistan’s health sector from the perspective of national and international managers

PurposeThe primary purpose of international aid is to promote economic and social development around the world. International aid plays an important role in Afghanistan’s healthcare system. The purpose of this study is to investigate international aid management in Afghanistan’s health sector from the perspectives of national and international managers in 2022 and to provide recommendations for the improvement.Design/methodology/approachThe study has a cross-sectional design. The study participants were chosen by random sampling. The sample size was determined based on Yaman’s formula at 110. The data collection tool was the questionnaire provided by International Health Partnership and Related Initiatives. The data were analyzed in two descriptive (mean and percentage) and analytical formats. Independent t-test, Mann-Whitney, Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests and Variance analysis were used to examine the relationships between demographic variables and the scores of each dimension.FindingsThe average scores given to different dimensions of aid management were as following: 1) the donners’ support of the national health strategy: 48/68 ± 16.14 (49%), 2) the predictable financing: 50/23 ± 16.02 (50%), 3) foreign aid on budget: 55/39 ± 20.15 (55%), 4) strengthening public financial management system: 38/35 ± 19.06 (38%), 5) strengthening the supply and procurement system: 40.97 ± 19.55 (41%), 6) mutual accountability: 46.50 ± 19.26 (46%), 7) technical support and training: 50.24 ± 17.33 (50%), 8) civil society involvement: 35.24 ± 18.61(35%), 9) private sector participation: 36 ± 17.55 (36%), and in total the average score was 44.52 ± 13.27 (44%). The difference between the scores given by two groups of managers was not significant. No meaningful relationship was observed between the total score and any of the demographic variables, but there was a weak relationship between work and management experience and total score. The correlation coefficient showed a statistically significant relationship between the different dimensions of the questionnaire. To sum up, the performance in all dimensions of aid management hardly reached 50%. Donors’ support for the national health strategy was not adequate. There were challenges in evidence-based decision-making, developing national health strategies, control and evaluation, the allocation of resources and use of procurement system. The priorities of donors and government were not always similar and mutual responsibility was lacking. Technical assistance and supporting multilateral cooperation are necessary.Originality/valueMost studies on foreign aid focused on its effects on economic growth, poverty and investment and not aid management processes. Without proper aid management, parts of resources are wasted and aims of aid programs cannot be achieved. This study investigates aid management in a developing country from the perspectives of two main stakeholders, international and national managers.Research limitations and implicationsData collection coincided with the change of government in Afghanistan. The situation might be different now. Still, this study provides areas for the improvement of aid management in the studied country. Future studies can build upon the findings of this research and conduct in-depth exploration of areas of aid effectiveness and designing detailed programs of improvement.Practical implicationsInstructions of the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness need to be followed. Particularly, civil society involvement and private sector participation should receive attention. A joint plan for improvement and collaboration of different stakeholders is needed.

Addressing the Causes and Effects of Climate Change in Afghanistan: Mitigation Strategies and Solutions for a Sustainable Future

The goal of this research is to address the causes and effects of climate change in Afghanistan and to develop strategies and solutions for a sustainable future. A qualitative approach was utilized, employing semi-structured interviews with climate change experts selected via snowball sampling. These interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed through thematic analysis. The study identified various causes of climate change in Afghanistan, such as deforestation, fossil fuel combustion, urbanization, ongoing conflicts, industrial activities, inefficient waste management, and poor water management practices. These factors have culminated in escalating droughts, melting glaciers and snow, floods and storms, as well as adverse effects on agriculture and livestock, and an increase in diseases among humans, animals, and plants. The research underscores the urgent need for mitigation strategies and sustainable solutions for Afghanistan’s future. Proposed strategies and solutions include seeking foreign aid, collaborating with national and international organizations, raising public awareness, preventing deforestation and smuggling, implementing water storage measures, learning from other countries’ experiences, conducting further assessments and research, expanding greenery, and formulating comprehensive policies and strategic plans for water management. The findings are significant for the Afghan government, national and international organizations engaged in climate change efforts, and policymakers. Given Afghanistan's heightened vulnerability to climate change, it is essential to take proactive measures and prioritize mitigation and adaptation efforts to ensure a sustainable future for the country. Addressing these critical issues will require coordinated action and sustained commitment from all stakeholders involved.

The Dilemma of Justice: The International Criminal Court’s Political Maneuver

ABSTRACT∞ This article explores the perspectives of Afghan human rights advocates and academics on transitional justice, focused on the conundrum of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate war crimes and crimes against humanity in Afghanistan. As a judicial entity, the ICC operates in a political environment. The tug of war of the ICC concerning what party to investigate is a testiment to this claim. In a recent twist, the new prosecutor, Karim Khan, issued a statement that his office would focus on crimes perpetrated by the Taliban and the Islamic State Khorasan Province, thus deprioritizing other parties, including the Afghan national security forces and the US military, that were determined by his predecessor. The Afghan human rights advocates and academics, while supporting accountability, criticize selective justice. The nature of war, the US–Taliban peace deal in 2020 and the collapse of the Afghan government in 2021 have furthered the dilemma of justice.

Analysis of Women's Participation in the Political and Social Processes of Afghanistan

Purpose: This study examines the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security in Afghanistan, focusing on the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan's action plan.Methodology:The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative analysis, and is a field study. The sample consisted of 100 well-known activists in women's participation studies and advocacy, chosen based on their professional experience and interactions over the past fifteen years. Data collection involved distributing 110 questionnaires with 35 closed-ended and three open-ended questions, resulting in 101 valid responses. The study utilized books, reports, surveys, and existing scientific studies to categorize and present the findings.Findings: The study revealed that since adopting the National Action Plan for Women, Peace, and Security to implement Resolution 1325, the Afghan government and national and international partners have undertaken various initiatives to enhance women's social and political participation.Implication:Numerous challenges and obstacles remain, necessitating severe attention from the government, legislative bodies, and their.

The Fall of Afghanistan: Can the Refugee Protection Regime Handle the New Refugee Wave?

The Taliban takeover of Afghanistan on August 15, 2021, triggered a significant refugee crisis. By mid-2022, 2.8 million Afghan refugees were registered internationally, primarily in Pakistan and Iran, and by 2023, 4.3 million Afghans were internally displaced. Many at-risk Afghans were left behind as US-led forces withdrew. Despite resettlement efforts, many threatened by the Taliban remain excluded, as the Taliban targets former military, NGO workers, and Afghan government officials. Daily migration to Iran and Pakistan surged, with many seeking refuge through Iran to Turkey and Europe. This paper examines whether the current refugee protection mechanism can manage this influx. Using a normative legal research method, it analyzes secondary data from books, journals, reports, and documents, providing historical context on Afghan politics and displacement. It critically evaluates the international refugee protection regime, identifying gaps and shortcomings, particularly the lack of a binding responsibility-sharing mechanism. This has resulted in poorer nations hosting a disproportionate number of refugees, necessitating a commitment from the international community to address this inequity. The paper concludes with policy recommendations to improve the global response to the Afghan refugee crisis, emphasizing the need for equitable responsibility-sharing to enhance protection for Afghan refugees.

AFG‘ONISTON DAVLATCHILIGI HOKIMYAT TUZILMASIDA AFG‘ON O‘ZBEKLARINING ROLI: TARIXIY TAHLIL (XIX ASR OXIRI – XX ASR BIRINCHI YARMI)

This article provides information about the role of representatives of the Uzbek nationality living in the country in the administrative structure of the Afghan government from the end of the 19th century to the middle of the 20th century. During this period, the life and activities of many ministers, soldiers, ambassadors, representatives of the government system, who grew up among the local and immigrant Afghan Uzbeks, were analyzed in detail.

Women, extremism and repression under Taliban 2.0 in Afghanistan: beyond the good

ABSTRACT This article examines the position of women in Afghanistan after the Taliban return to power in August 2021. Importantly, the anti-modern and anti-western political ideology of the Taliban played a substantial role in how they came to power again through unorthodox and unconstitutional means, exercising extensive total control and power in an unconstitutional and arbitrary manner. The article argues that the current situation in Afghanistan is bleak, especially for women. It thus therefore proposes that the Taliban must embrace a pluralistic balancing of space for all religious perspectives within Islam and local cultures of Afghanistan to be recognised as a political entity responsible for legitimate governance in Afghanistan. Simply trying to repress women, whether rhetorically or actually, is indeed beyond minimum expectations of good governance.