Afghanistan : the problem of Pashtun alienation / International Crisis Group.

“5 August 2003”.

Includes bibliographical references.

“An international Crisis Group report”—cover page.

Contents: I. Introduction—II. Background—III. The Bonn process—IV. Representation at the centre—V. Warlordism, trade and governance—VI. External actors—VII. Regional actors—VIII. Conclusion.

Summary: “prospects for an ending peace in Afghanistan are still fragile despite progress since the ouster of the Taliban in December 2001. A key obstacle is the perception of many ethnic Pashtuns that they lack meaningful representation in the central government, particularly in its security institution. Other factors contributing to growing alienation from the Bonn political process include continued violence against Pashtuns in Parts of the north and west, heavy-handed search operations and collaboration with abusive commanders by the U.S.-led coalition, and eastern provinces. Unless measures are taken to address these grievances and ensure that a more representative government emerges from the forthcoming election, there will be a greater likelihood of the political process ending in failure”—(p. [1]).

English