Case Study Of Afghanistan Research Articles

Patients' Satisfaction With Physiotherapy Services of Red Cross Physical Rehabilitation Services and Related Factors: A Case Study of Afghanistan.

Patient satisfaction is essential to the patient-centered approach in health services delivery, but little is known about satisfaction with physiotherapy services in Afghanistan. This study evaluated patients' satisfaction with physiotherapy services and related factors in this country. This study was conducted on 420 recipients of a physiotherapy center in Afghanistan. A questionnaire was used to collect data that measured satisfaction in 4 dimensions: treatment process, logistics, organizational factors, and overall. The scale of the questionnaire was 5-point Likert. The highest possible score was 100. Statistics methods included Spearman's correlation coefficient, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests for univariate analysis, and Linear Regression for multivariate analysis. The average overall satisfaction score was 84.82 ± 13.24. Among the demographic variables, the relationship between education level and overall satisfaction score was significant. The findings of the linear regression model showed that the 3 dimensions of satisfaction, including the treatment process, logistics, and organizational factors, had statistically significant relationships with overall satisfaction. The level of satisfaction was high in all dimensions. To maximize satisfaction, reducing waiting time and better communication with patients, as components of logistics and organizational factors, are suggested. Patients also need to receive feedback from physiotherapists that are an essential components of the treatment process dimension.

Dynamics of Trade Specialization and Performance of SAFTA: A Case Study of Afghanistan

The idea that regional integration is the podium of economic growth dates back a long time. Even now, a plethora of literature confirms a strong and positive link between regional integration and economic growth. However, most of these studies are focused on developed countries. Indeed, literature from developing countries is scant, and that from underdeveloped and landlocked countries like Afghanistan is almost non-existent. In the context of South Asian Free Trade Agreement, this article endeavours to innovatively scrutinize the trends in exports, imports and trade at different industry levels in the trade specialization of Afghanistan. At the harmonized standard 6-digit level of product classification, the study has employed the Lafay Index approach. The study finds that Afghanistan has a greater affinity for resource-intensive manufacturing products and non-fuel primary commodities. The study suggests that Afghanistan should confront issues such as its trade deficit, its dependency on agricultural products for export and the underutilization of its natural resources. The results show that Afghanistan still has a competitive disadvantage over South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) members at different industry levels. The study recommends dealing with problems including technology diffusion, product diversity and quality sophistication at various industrial levels, which restrict a higher degree of trade specialization. JEL Codes: F1, F10, F14

Sustaining Print Media in the Contemporary Era: a case study of Afghanistan

Print media forms the foundation of all media. It is called an effective tool for the development and advancement of knowledge and information, and the press has the responsibility of teaching, guiding, and advising human thoughts (Pater, 2016). Therefore, it is necessary for the managers of print publications, journalists, and experts in this field to use this essential tool and confront the digital media and tools of the new technological era. Serious steps should be taken regarding the situation and ways to attract readers should be understood and implemented. The results of this research will help print media officials and journalists to enrich, continue, and succeed their print publication in some way and follow up with the purpose of benefiting from this essential tool and increasing their capacity.Research has found this growth, perfection and technological era have made the editing and publishing of newspapers and magazines an industry and utility. It is also useful for print media managers to provide high standards of service according to the demands and needs of the people of the society. The print media should be designed in such a way that it is appealing based on technological tools and in accordance with the principles of printing and page making, that it has innovation and the art of reading, and that it causes its audience to quench their thirst. It should be filled with the taste of its readers and audience, the tactics of attracting the audience, and be aware of their life, knowledge, needs, and desires.

Improvements and Setbacks in Women’s Access to Education: A Case Study of Afghanistan

Afghanistan has struggled poorly regarding women’s education since modern education was brought to the country. Over the last 26 years, women have experienced ups and downs in their access to education in Afghanistan. This study explores women’s access to education in Afghanistan across three different regimes. It was found that women across all three rules have had limited access to education given the diverse culture of the country; cultural restrictions, insecurity, lack of adequate school equipment, and distant school locations were identified as the leading causes behind women’s reduced access to education. Recently, the country experienced another overthrowing of an established government that had helped get 40 percent of women into learning spheres between 2001 and 2021. Now, Afghan women face immense uncertainty about their education in the future, even though the new Taliban regime promised to provide equal access to education. In this research, alongside other barriers to women’s entry to schooling, social and cultural ideologies were also uncovered, which have mainly hindered women’s access to education across the country.

Exploring Association between Food Law and Double Burden of Malnutrition: A case Study of Afghanistan

Theoretical framework:For all forms of malnutrition with their related diseases a unique term of double burden of malnutrition is used (DBM). DBM is the greatest risk for all globe which has both social and economic costs. Objective:To investigate impacts of food law on DBM in Afghanistan. Model/methodology:We introduce new model under PLS-SEM in which we employ Smart PLS 3.2.9 software package for statistical analysis. Data:Through, purposive sampling we have online interviews with 400 residents of Afghanistan. Findings:Our study findings indicate that all forms of food law have significant impact to protect population form DBM. Similarly, balanced diet has significant role to control DBM. Policy implications:Our investigations suggest that government should adopt objective food law to control all harms from supply/ production side of food. Practical implications:This research will help government to reshape their food law and will encourage people to have balanced diet regime.

Exploring Association between Food Law and Double Burden of Malnutrition: A case Study of Afghanistan

Theoretical framework:For all forms of malnutrition with their related diseases a unique term of double burden of malnutrition is used (DBM). DBM is the greatest risk for all globe which has both social and economic costs. Objective:To investigate impacts of food law on DBM in Afghanistan. Model/methodology:We introduce new model under PLS-SEM in which we employ Smart PLS 3.2.9 software package for statistical analysis. Data:Through, purposive sampling we have online interviews with 400 residents of Afghanistan. Findings:Our study findings indicate that all forms of food law have significant impact to protect population form DBM. Similarly, balanced diet has significant role to control DBM. Policy implications:Our investigations suggest that government should adopt objective food law to control all harms from supply/ production side of food. Practical implications:This research will help government to reshape their food law and will encourage people to have balanced diet regime.

Islamic Injunctions on Prisoner’s Immunity and Termination of captivity in War: The Case Study of Afghanistan

Afghanistan remained an arena for international powers for the last two centuries. The climax period of the militant activities in this soil was from September 2001 to August 2021. Millions of human entities took part in this escalation and a large number of human fabric became captive by the detaining powers during this period. At the end of the armed climax, the emerging political & military coalition on this soil declared its stance about the method of governance after 15 August 2021 which would be based upon Islamic resources. In the perspective of this armed conflict, the question of prisoner’s immunity and termination of captivity in war attracted the attention of global powers. What options be available to prisoners of war about termination of war captivity under Islamic International Humanitarian Law (IIHL) and Conventional International Humanitarian Law (CIHL), is the mainstay of this paper. To answer the question, Islamic jurisprudence provides five methods to dissolve the detention and captivity in war. These methods are respectively freedom gratis, ransom, exchange of prisoners of war, execution, and enslavement. According to Islamic military guidance, freedom gratis remains the general practice in entire Islamic military history. Contrary to it, Ransom and exchange of prisoners of war were occasionally utilized and not the general practice in the entire military history of Islam. The execution and enslavement were pre-Islamic methods and practices. A set of Islamic injunctions were revealed to reform them (Execution & Enslavement) and hence they have been invoked as the source of reference in Islamic prudential literature. Along with, principles of conventional international humanitarian law are also associated with this discourse. Under these facts, this paper is a strenuous effort to embark on the solution of the matter which would be acceptable to all stakeholders regarding Afghanistan.

COVID-19 and its Impact on International Trade in SAARC Economies: A Case Study of Afghanistan

COVID-19 and its Impact on International Trade in SAARC Economies: A Case Study of Afghanistan

The Democratic Peace Theory: Is War a Means to Peace?

In the twenty first century, the idea of democracy has transcended its original conception of domestic governance to actively influence international relations. The nature of state—democratic or nondemocratic—has come to determine hierarchy, alliances, and status in international relations. It tends to bestow a degree of moral superiority to democratic states in dealings of international relations. This moral superiority in its most aggressive form, in the past two decades, has led to wars in the name of democracy. It has been used to justify military intervention in nondemocratic states by democratic nations. The use of force to bring about desired consequences has become the norm in inter-state relations. The focus is not on the action, but on its intent. This article studies the use of force and war by Western democratic countries to establish democracies through military intervention in other parts of the world. The article analyzes the widespread impact of foreign policies of the stronger nation-states and seeks to understand if the desired results are achieved or not. Beginning with the democratic peace theory that is held in high opinion by democracies of today, the article moves toward Immanuel Kant and his idea of perpetual peace. The democratic peace theory finds its base in Kant’s perpetual peace and finds an echo in Western democracies’ foreign policies. The article then sees how this theory is used to justify war, through the case study of Afghanistan, and what is the intention behind the wars. The article concludes that the desired aim of “positive peace” cannot be achieved via violent means. In the process of establishing peaceful and healthy democracy, Kant’s categorical imperatives are crucial.

Legality of External Military Interventions, Responsibility to Protect (R2P) and the Governing Theories: A Case Study of Afghanistan, Somalia and Libya

It is a general principle of International law that no State should use military forces to intervene internal affairs of another State except under: self-determination and upon implementation of the principle of Responsibility to Protect (R2P) but without causing instability to other States. States are accorded right to external intervention under strict circumstances in safeguarding collective protection to basic human rights and human dignity. In implementing the exceptional circumstances, the International community has been urged to set norms and standards in avoiding tyranny from the super powers likely to cause anarchy to both directly and indirectly involved States in the process. Responsibility to protect aims at addressing anarchy as subsequently affirmed by a Commission of Rapporteurs to the Council of the League of Nations on the Aaland Islands. In expounding the above duties and responsibilities, this study discusses notable incidents of external military interventions from critical human rights and human dignity perspectives. Both doctrinal and comparative methods were employed in this study considering the study being legal research with comparison method employed in contrasting the involved interventions. It is recommended that the International community should refrain from invoking military interventions except under justifiable reasons within the framework of the UN Security Council.

Relationship between Internal Organizational Communication and its Effect on Managers' Performance (Case Study of Afghanistan's Sector Ministries from 2010-2019)

Relationship between Internal Organizational Communication and its Effect on Managers' Performance (Case Study of Afghanistan's Sector Ministries from 2010-2019)

The Asynergies of Structural Disaster Risk Reduction Measures: Comparing Floods and Earthquakes

AbstractTraditionally, building‐level disaster risk reduction (DRR) measures are aimed at a single natural hazard. However, in many countries the society faces the threat of multiple hazards. Building‐level DRR measures that aim to decrease earthquake vulnerability can have opposing or conflicting effects on flood vulnerability, and vice versa. In a case study of Afghanistan, we calculate the risk of floods and earthquakes, in terms of average annual losses (AAL), in the current situation. Next, we develop two DRR scenarios, where building‐level measures to reduce flood and earthquake risk are implemented. We use this to identify districts for which DRR measures of one hazard increase the risk of another hazard. We then also calculate the optimal situation between the two scenarios by, for each district, selecting the DRR scenario for which the AAL as a ratio of the total exposure is lowest. Finally, we assess the sensitivity of the total risk to each scenario. The optimal measure differs spatially throughout Afghanistan, but in most districts it is more beneficial to take flood DRR measures. However, in the districts where it is more beneficial to take earthquake measures, the reduction in risk is considerable (up to 40%, while flood DRR measures lead to a reduction in risk by 16% in individual districts). The introduction of asynergies between DRR measures in risk analyses allows policy‐makers to spatially differentiate building codes and other building‐level DRR measures to address the most prevalent risk while not compromising the risk resulting from other hazards.

Towards a structural understanding of powerbrokers in weak states: From militias to alliances

This article aims to contribute to a theoretical understanding and discussion of conflict in weak states. More granular than one at the level of systemic phenomena, this analysis is focused on the actors, and the political structure in weak states. The article aims to improve on efforts to accurately describe these conflicts. After a theoretical introduction, the theorem on powerbroker systems will be applied on the case studies of Afghanistan, Lebanon and Mali. Building on this, the contours of the political system in each case will be highlighted by looking at the very origins of socio-political life. The working hypothesis is that powerbrokers, built on self-governing communities, ally and bandwagon according to Balance of Threat (BoT). This working hypothesis will be tested by examining a derived hypotheses per case study and identifying a) self-rule communities, b) the political-military nexus of powerbrokers within each system, and c) the behaviour of the related BoT alliance. Afghan, Lebanese and Malian powerbrokers all confirm the hypotheses. The powerbrokers originate in a context of self-governing communities trying to maintain their internal autonomy vis-a-vis a more centralised state and world system. During conflict, the communities band together against a perceived external threat, building neo-feudal political-military bodies. Pooling military resources under skilled leadership and privileged access to outside sponsors sparks the birth of a post-conflict politicalmilitary elite. It is beneficial to maintain powerbrokers as they are better suited to distribute resources through patronage at scale. Powerbroker alliances in weak states can be well explained by a theoretical approach based on balance of threat and more research is needed.

Study of Excessive Bureaucracy in Construction Projects Causes of Low Level of Competition and Lengthy Tendering Process A Case Study of Afghanistan

Excessive bureaucracy has been one of the most challenging issue for infrastructure sector in many countries. Countries are different in terms of their institutional settings, organizational cultures and political balance, and therefore, Afghanistan infrastructure/construction sector is no exception. This phenomenon has negatively impacted the delivery of infrastructure projects and hindering the country to reach its strategic economic goals. There are national projects that have been delayed for several years and the average tendering duration, based on existing researches, is almost 3 times more than the normal practices. This research is aimed to identify major causes of excessive bureaucracy in infrastructure sector that influence the level of competition and tendering duration, and provide technical recommendations for improvements. To do so, 17 factors causing low level of competition and lengthy tendering process have been identified through literature review and interviews. The factors are categorized under two groups; causes of; 1) low level of competition and, 2) lengthy tendering process. A questionnaire was developed and distributed to 80 construction firms. As a result, a response rate of 40% was achieved. Relative importance index (RII) is used to analyze the survey result. The research findings indicate that the top 5 factors causing excessive bureaucracy in delivering infrastructure/construction projects in Afghanistan and causing low level of competition and lengthy tendering process are: 1) Using traditional methods of procurement instead of electronic system, 2) Lack of accountability by procuring entities, 3) Delay in payments to companies, 4) Slow decision – making by procuring entities and 5) Corruption during the project lifecycle (inception to completion). The outcome of this research will help the government to take necessary actions for eliminating unnecessary steps in the procurement of public infrastructure projects and ultimately improve project delivery. In addition, the research findings will help the construction companies to be fully aware of bureaucracy risks in the procurement process and develop necessary risk mitigation plan for the successful completion of construction projects.

A Pandemic of Violence? The Impact of COVID-19 on Conflict

Abstract This article examines the impact and repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on patterns of armed conflict around the world. It argues that there are two main ways in which the pandemic is likely to fuel, rather than mitigate, conflict and engender further violence in conflict-prone countries: (1) the exacerbating effect of COVID-19 on the underlying root causes of conflict and (2) the exploitation of the crisis by governments and non-state actors who have used the coronavirus to gain political advantage and territorial control. The article uses data collected in real-time by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) and the Johns Hopkins University to illustrate the unfolding and spatial distribution of conflict events before and during the pandemic and combine this with three brief case studies of Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Libya. Descriptive evidence shows how levels of violence have remained unabated or even escalated during the first five months of the pandemic and how COVID-19-related social unrest has spread beyond conflict-affected countries.

In between the ulemas and local warlords in Afghanistan: critical perspectives on the “everyday,” norm translation, and UNSCR 1325

ABSTRACT This article makes the case for centering the gaze on the “everyday,” motivated by a desire to understand how the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, even in its twentieth year, is often about translation(s) rather than transformation(s). In this article, I explore the following research question: how does the everyday inform norm translation and constrain the transformative potential of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325? Most research on WPS has paid scant attention to the everyday as a site of analysis. The challenge is that the multiple sites, actors, and practices that constitute the everyday for women are often regarded as “little nothings.” Through a case study of Afghanistan, I highlight the significance of these “little nothings,” which I argue are intrinsically political and which interact with, impinge upon, align with, or resist global normative frameworks such as the WPS agenda. I thus bring the “everyday turn” in international relations (IR) theory into conversation with the literature on norm translation. Methodologically, I draw on field insights from my time spent in Kabul in November 2016 (as a member of Track II Dialogue facilitated by South Asians for Human Rights and the Afghan Women’s Network (AWN)), and use participant observation and interviews to reconstruct the quotidian experiences of women specifically from the perspective of participation in the public sphere.

Linkage between International Political Relations and Foreign Direct Investment: A Case Study of Afghanistan

Linkage between International Political Relations and Foreign Direct Investment: A Case Study of Afghanistan

Impact of conflict on maternal and child health service delivery: a country case study of Afghanistan

IntroductionSince decades, the health system of Afghanistan has been in disarray due to ongoing conflict. We aimed to explore the direct effects of conflict on provision of reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health and nutrition (RMNCAH&N) services and describe the contextual factors influencing these services.MethodWe conducted a quantitative analysis of secondary data on RMNCAH&N indicators and undertook a supportive qualitative study to help understand processes and contextual factors. For quantitative analysis, we stratified the various provinces of Afghanistan into minimal-, moderate- and severe conflict categories based on battle-related deaths from Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) and through accessibility of health services using a Delphi methodology. The coverage of RMNCAH&N indicators across the continuum of care were extracted from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) and Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS). The qualitative data was captured by conducting key informant interviews of multi-sectoral stakeholders working in government, NGOs and UN agencies.ResultsComparison of various provinces based on the severity of conflict through Delphi process showed that the mean coverage of various RMNCAH&N indicators including antenatal care (OR: 0.42, 95%CI: 0.32–0.55), facility delivery (OR: 0.42, 95%CI: 0.32–0.56), skilled birth attendance (OR: 0.43, 95%CI: 0.33–0.57), DPT3 (OR: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.20–0.33) and oral rehydration therapy (OR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.25–0.55) was significantly lower for severe conflict provinces when compared to minimal conflict provinces. The qualitative analysis identified various factors affecting decision making and service delivery including insecurity, cultural norms, unavailability of workforce, poor monitoring, lack of funds and inconsistent supplies. Other factors include weak stewardship, capacity gap at the central level and poor coordination at national, regional and district level.ConclusionRMNCAH&N service delivery has been significantly hampered by conflict in Afghanistan over the last several years. This has been further compromised by poor infrastructure, weak stewardship and poor capacity and collaboration at all levels. With the potential of peace and conflict resolution in Afghanistan, we would underscore the importance of continued oversight and integrated implementation of sustainable, grass root RMNCAH&N services with a focus on reaching the most marginalized.

Assessment of climate change impacts on streamflow through hydrological model using SWAT model: a case study of Afghanistan

Hydrological models always forecast variable status and, therefore, need further studies in models to make more real the management of the water resources. Analysis and execution of the watershed model are essential to carry out the valid assessment of water resources, individually in Kabul river sub-basin, where the modeling is a challengeable issue due to the lack of data. In this research, the Kabul river sub-basin watershed located at the Istalif station is modeled through the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to predict the future streamflow and climate change impacts on it. The model is calibrated with monthly discharge data for 2003–2010 and validated for 2010–2018. SWAT-CUP, which recently has developed with the capacity of providing the decision making for using manual and automated calibration and incorporating sensitivity and uncertainty analysis through (SUFI2) algorithm, is used for calibration and validation. According to coefficient of determination (R2), Nash Sutcliffe efficiency, and present bias parameters, the calculation indicates an excellent performance for both calibration and validation periods and acceptable agreement between measured and simulated values of monthly scale discharge. Results show the importance of climate change effect on water resources, where it does not have only an effect on precipitation and temperature, but the streamflow is also directly influenced by climate change. The impact of climate change on the surface flow as well as land use/land cover change and other different scenarios is evaluated using calibrated SWAT model for further investigation.

Identification and analysis of factors influencing food advertisements on buying behaviour of children in emerging consumption markets: the case study of Afghanistan

This study assessed impact of food advertising on purchasing behaviour of children in emerging consumption markets. A case study was conducted in Kabul, Afghanistan. In this research, we considered a system where children's buying behaviour was the output and food advertising and moderator variables namely age, siblings, gender, parent's influence and media type were considered as inputs. The study relied on primary data collected from 385 children aged between 5 and 15. Data were analysed with STATA 2013. The data and statistical models were tested for validity and reliability; the tests included Cronbach's alpha, Jarque-Bera, Bruesch-Pagan/Cook-Wisberg, Winsorization, Skewness and Kurtosis, Akaike information criterion (AIC), and variance inflation factor (VIF). The study found that television advertisements had the most influence on purchasing behaviour of children directly or indirectly through their parents. The study also found that the magnitude of advertising outcome on children varied based on moderator variables mentioned above.