Publications
Articles, publications, books, tools and multimedia features from the U.S. Institute of Peace provide the latest news, analysis, research findings, practitioner guides and reports, all related to the conflict zones and issues that are at the center of the Institute’s work to prevent and reduce violent conflict.
Second Training for Afghan Conflict Resolution Professionals
Senior Program Officers Nina Sughrue and Keith Bowen, in conjunction with local partner the Welfare Association for the Development of Afghanistan (WADAN) conducted the second training of trainers (TOT) conflict resolution workshop in Kabul on July 14-16. In this session, participants discussed how have been using used what they learned in the first workshop, held in April, to help resolve conflicts and solve problems in their local communities.
Killing Friends, Making Enemies: The Impact and Avoidance of Civilian Casualties in Afghanistan
This USIPeace Briefing discusses the enormous problem of civilian casualties in Afghanistan; the “troops-in-contact” dilemma regarding air power; challenges in intelligence gathering; losses in the information war with Taliban forces; and policy recommendations to mitigate this trend.
Training Conflict Resolution Professionals in Afghanistan
Senior Program Officers Nina Sughrue and Keith Bowen in conjunction with local partner the Welfare Association for the Development of Afghanistan (WADAN) conducted the first of two training workshops in Kabul on April 14-16. The goal of the program is to build a multiplying effect of Afghan conflict resolution professionals working in all parts of the country.
On the Issues: Afghanistan/Pakistan
J Alexander Thier puts into context the new strains on Afghanistan and Pakistan's relationship including the recent assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and Afghanistan's resurgent Taliban and out of control opium trade.
How We Missed the Story
Award-winning journalist Roy Gutman weaves a narrative that exposes how and why the U.S. government, the United Nations, and the Western media "missed the story" in the leadup to 9/11.
Media and Conflict: Afghanistan as a Relative Success Story
The development of media in post-Taliban Afghanistan has been relatively successful. However, such development remains incomplete and still faces many challenges. Hence, the international community must continue to assist and support these efforts.
Stabilizing Afghanistan
Briefing before the bipartisan Congressional briefing series sponsored by Congressmen Howard Berman (D-CA) and Chris Shays (R-CT) on the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan and the status of U.S. and international efforts to stabilize the country with J Alexander Thier and the International Crisis Group.
Bridging Modernity and Tradition: Rule of Law and Search for Justice in Afghanistan
A legitimate, functioning and coherent justice system is urgently needed in Afghanistan, where a legacy of three decades of war, continued insecurity, endemic corruption, and lack of resources hobble development. In this light, USIP has produced a new USIPeace Briefing discussing the challenges of building rule of law as well as mechanisms of formal and informal justice in the country.
Hearts and Minds: Afghan Opinion on the Taliban, the Government and the International Forces
Since the election of new leaders and the establishment of a new constitution, the government of Afghanistan has been trying to prove its legitimacy and ability to foster stability, security, and the rule of law. Understanding current trends in public opinion can aid in tailoring the international intervention to ensure that prior progress is not lost and that elements corroding the strength of the state are diminished.
No Silver Bullets for Afghanistan’s Drug Crisis
Afghanistan supplies more than 90 percent of the world’s opium. Despite concerted efforts to tackle the drug problem in Afghanistan, the industry continues to grow at an alarming rate, particularly in the south, where reconstruction efforts lag amidst poor security.