The Afghanistan Papers

The Afghanistan Papers are essays authored by prominent academics, policy makers, practitioners and informed observers that seek to challenge existing ideas, contribute to ongoing debates and influence international policy on issues related to Afghanistan’s transition. A forward-looking series, the papers combine analysis of current problems and challenges with explorations of future issues and threats.

In the Series

Creating Voids: Western Military Downscaling and Afghanistan’s Transformation Phase CIGI Papers Florian P. Kühn Many doubt whether the Afghan state that was established in 2001 during the Bonn Agreement will survive the withdrawal of Western troops after 2014.	Afghanistan as a Test of Canadian Politics: What Did We Learn from the Experience? CIGI Papers Stephen M. Saideman This paper considers lessons that can be drawn from the Canadian effort in Afghanistan with a focus on security, governance and development in Kandahar.
Watching While the Frog Boils: Strategic Folly in the Afghan Security Sector CIGI Papers Christian Dennys The lack of strategic direction in the Afghan security sector has served both Afghanistan and its international partners poorly.	The Triple Compact: Improving Accountability in State Building CIGI Papers Ben Rowswell This paper proposes the establishment of a triple compact, involving various stakeholders.
Obama's War: Prospects for the Conflict in Afghanistan and Pakistan CIGI Papers Bruce Riedel This paper describes the strategy that President Obama has implemented to combat al-Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan.	Obama's New Af-Pak Strategy: Can "Clear, Hold, Build, Transfer" Work? CIGI Papers C. Christine Fair This paper evaluates the viability of the “clear, hold, build and transfer” approach in light of structural challenges and pressure to deliver results.
The Taliban Beyond the Pashtuns CIGI Papers Antonio Giustozzi Antonio Giustozzi says that emerging relationships between Taliban and non-Pashtun groups could "turn northern and western Afghanistan into a mess."	A Plan to Stabilize Afghanistan CIGI Papers Shahmahmood Miakhel Afghanistan’s problems are well known: rampant insecurity, endemic corruption, deep-seated poverty and weak governance.
Ending the Agony: Seven Moves to Stabilize Afghanistan CIGI Papers Christopher Alexander This paper proposes seven policy initiatives designed to refocus Afghanistan’s domestic reform agenda, overcome post-electoral distrust, and lay groundwork...	Afghanistan’s Alternatives for Peace, Governance and Development CIGI Papers M. Nazif Shahrani The policies of the United States and its international partners in Afghanistan during the past eight years have proven wrong-headed and ineffective.
Afghanistan: Looking Forward CIGI Papers Ronald E. Neumann Much of the current debate among scholars and practitioners surrounding the growing Afghan crisis has centered on international policy and strategy.