Publication

This paper provides a snapshot of the opening months of the Afghan National Assembly and analyzes the challenges facing it and the country's democratization process. The authors claim that this body has the potential to play a vital role in stabilizing Afghanistan by drawing the regions to the center. However, they point to the absence of formal groups of moderates in the upper and lower house, which they consider essential for mediating internal tensions and developing a robust democracy. Finally, the paper argues that the legislature and democratic values can only take root by being recognized domestically and supported internationally.