Afghanistan. - Forced Migration Online

Country Profile: Afghanistan, BBC News
NATO
2.2.2 The Afghanistan Compact (2006-2010)
The following broadly outlines the factors and conditions which currently characterize the
development and political landscape in Afghanistan. From 2006 onwards, there is an actual
and perceived spread of insecurity and growing pockets of insurgency – particularly in the
south but also in city centres such as Kabul. The Taliban has been effective in rebuilding the
organisation from bases within Pakistan and a support base in Afghanistan between 2002 and
2004, and re-emerged as a force to be reckoned with in 2006.
Many Afghans complain of a deepening disappointment in the government – particularly in
Karzai’s administration – and its ability to ensure security, meet expectations, address
corruption which is pervasive, and create meaningful and equitable economic opportunities.
Five years on from the fall of the Taliban, there is, in many locations, limited visible impact
or substantial change to people’s lives. This is the result of flagging security, poor
governance/public administration, and slow progress towards development. There is a general
perception that the government lacks capacity to deliver meaningful programmes/projects.
To redress these concerns, the London Conference held in January 2006 brought the
international community together in order to focus efforts post-Bonn. The Compact identifies
three pillars of action which are interdependent and are to be implemented over a five year
horizon (2006-2010). These pillars are: security, governance, the rule of law and human
rights; economic and social development; and the cross-cutting issue of counter-narcotics.
The government, donors and assistance organisations are measuring success against the
Afghanistan Compact and its objectives. A Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board has also
been established to monitor progress on a regular basis. The declining insecurity in parts of
the country – particularly the south –however is in the short-term at least an obstacle to
achieving the goals defined in the Compact. Many also believe that even if the security
climate had not declined, the timelines and benchmarks were overly ambitious and not well
defined in terms of priorities.
Websites:
UNAMA
International Crisis Group
Afghanistan country page
‘Countering Afghanistan’s Insurgency: No Quick Fixes’
‘Afghanistan’s Endangered Compact’
AREU
‘Provincial Governance Structures in Afghanistan: From Confusion to Vision’
2.2.3 Security and the role of ISAF
Following the collapse of the Taliban in 2001, a US-led coalition force continued to undertake
military operations throughout the country to root out terrorist elements such as al Qaeda. In
addition, the Bonn Agreement authorised the deployment of a UN-mandated North Atlantic
Treaty Organisation (NATO) led multi-national force, called the International Security
Assistance Force (ISAF). The ISAF was initially comprised of 2,500 troops which were
stationed in Kabul with a mandate to extend law and order, provide protection to political
leaders, prevent violence, distribute supplies, and contribute to nation-building. At that time,
an agreement was established for the creation of a three-way partnership between the Afghan
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