The Afghan Peace Process: Strategic Policy Contradictions and Lacunas

Abstract

Stability in Afghanistan is inextricably linked with a negotiated peace settlement. Notwithstanding broad consensus about the essence of political negotiations to end the Afghan conundrum, internal and external stakeholders have been pursuing fluctuating strategies. The terminology of „reconciliation‟ has often been viewed disparately by various actors. Consequently, the entire peace process in the country has remained shrouded in suspicion. This article aims at identifying the strategic policy discrepancies among the key national, regional and international players and suggests a workable way forward.