Summary Report: Afghanistan Implementation Colloquium

Abstract

The report suggests that perceptions and lack of trust are key issues complicating governance reform in Afghanistan and the transfer of responsibilities for security and development from the international community to the Afghan government. A “trust deficit” between Afghans, their government and the international community has significantly grown since summer 2008. Critical factors of time, costs, and stakes are perceived and prioritized differently by Afghan, regional, and international actors. The report also highlights the regional implications of the impending draw down of international forces in Afghanistan starting in 2011, as various actors within Afghanistan and within the region realign their policies motivated mainly by the perception that international forces will be exiting the country and donor support for Afghanistan will end in the near term.