CIAO DATE: 03/03

Filling the Vacuum: Prerequisites to Security in Afghanistan

IFES

March 2002

International Foundation for Election Systems

Abstract

As a result of 23 years of war and civil conflict, and despite the recent removal of the Taliban and establishment of an Interim Authority, Afghanistan remains a country in chaos. Unless and until Afghanistan is at least modestly stable and secure, it will continue to represent a risk to the region and the world. The global order is still grappling with the question of failed states, but one lesson is certain: when governments fail, warlords, drug barons, or terrorists fill the vacuum. The only sure way to eliminate terrorism and extremism in Afghanistan is to support its leaders and people in their quest for internal stability and security, according to their own rich traditions and history.

Table of Content

• Foreward (PDF format, 4 pages, 250.9 kbs)

• Executive Summary (PDF format, 3 pages, 214.9 kbs)

• The Current Setting (PDF format, 8 pages, 356.7 kbs)

• Building the Rule of Law (PDF format, 14 pages, 545.3 kbs)

• Building a Democratic Framework for Peace and Stability (PDF format, 6 pages, 248.5 kbs)

• Protecting Human Rights and Building Civil Society (PDF format, 8 pages, 228.1 kbs)

• Appendices (PDF format, 14 pages, 438.5 kbs)

Full Text (PDF, 60 pgs, 1.42 MBs)