Afghanistan: Return of the Taliban

With the dramatic takeover of power by the Taliban following the abrupt end of NATO's 20-year mission, Afghanistan is drifting into an uncertain political future. Our dossier offers insights into current developments and debates in Afghanistan, the region and Europe.

With the Taliban's dramatic seizure of power following the abrupt end of NATO's 20-year mission, Afghanistan is drifting into an uncertain political future.

It is more than unclear whether a peaceful and inclusive transition can be negotiated that takes into account the complexities of interests, or whether violence and chaos will define the years ahead. Even more unpredictable are the possible effects of Taliban domination on Afghan civil society, women's rights and human rights.

The current power vacuum and the resulting great uncertainty among the people of Afghanistan will also have an impact on refugee movements to neighboring countries in the region and to Europe.

Above all, the question remains open as to how the complex political constellation will influence the international geopolitical structure in the long term. The international project "Nationbuilding Afghanistan" seems to have failed for the time being - the need for a reappraisal of the causes and possible consequences is great.

In addition to current developments and debates in Afghanistan, the region and Europe, this dossier also contains previously published articles from the program work of the Heinrich Böll Foundation and its partners in Afghanistan, which, in retrospect, illustrate the difficulties and undesirable developments of recent years.

Publication

People’s Perceptions on the Peace Process Afghanistan

Survey findings
The Salah Consortium, a consortium of 6 Afghan civil society organisations, conducted a survey in order to give ordinary Afghans a voice in the peace process and to learn about their expectations. Responses of the survey show, that the people perceive a more prominent role for civil society, tribal elders and other members of society, while the current process is largely driven by foreigners and the Afghan political elite.
pdf

"Get Lost!": European Return Policies in Practice

Study
Current EU migration policies' increased focus on returns raises concerns on the adequacy of such measures with EU standards and fundamental rights. This publication highlights the problems and difficulties returnees face in Afghanistan, Syria, Tunisia, Senegal and Kosovo.
pdf

Videos

Also interesting - out of our archive

Policy Brief: Afghanistan's Parliament in the Making

After more than a decade of an international intervention and close to the proclaimed second post-2014 transition phase, women's political participation remains precarious and volatile in Afghanistan despite inroads made. Women activists and lawmakers demand due diligence for promises made, inroads built, spaces carved out and steps to be taken to ensure a more peaceful post-2014 Afghanistan.

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