Publication

This report discusses the political situation in Afghanistan. It presents the background of the conflict and the Bonn process and outlines the state of political institutions and state leadership. The report states that a key obstacle to peace is the perception of ethnic Pashtuns that they lack representation in the central government, particularly in its security institutions. Other factors include continued violence against Pashtuns in parts of the north and west, search operations and collaboration with abusive commanders by the US-led coalition, and impediments to trade in the southern and eastern provinces.