Publication

This paper looks at the questions that the spate of violence and demonstrations that have erupted in Afghanistan over the burning of the Holy Quran in February 2012 has raised. What does explain the high level of violence this time around especially when reactions to previous such episodes have been relatively more muted or limited? What do these violent acts signify? Who are the real instigators behind the protests and what are their motives? What does this portend for Afghanistan’s stability and the United States’ strategy in the near and long-term?