PN Attends "Afghanistan: the prospects and challenges ahead"

On February 20, 2013, the PN Secretariat attended a debate organized by the Security & Defence Agenda on the future of Afghanistan. 

Afghanistan faces an array of challenges in the coming months and years. The security situation in the country remains to be fully consolidated, presidential and provincial council elections are scheduled for April 2014, and Kabul’s relations with its neighbours are still evolving. Little is also still known about the duration, composition and tasks for the NATO training mission which will take over from the International Security Assistance Force in 2014.  

Against this backdrop, is Afghanistan ready to assume responsibility for its security? Are the Afghan army and police force sufficiently well trained to keep the peace? What are the prospects for fair and free elections in Afghanistan and who is likely to benefit in the post-Karzai era? Now that Pakistan appears to be encouraging the Taliban to enter reconciliation talks with Kabul, what is the possibility of a power-sharing agreement in Kabul? What are the chances of a ceasefire before 2014 and who has the influence and authority to initiate it? What role should other regional actors play in Afghanistan’s conflict resolution?

Following short presentations the debate features an enlightening exchange of views on the future of Afghanistan with a select group of senior Afghan editors and broadcasting directors who have deep insight and knowledge of their country’s hopes and aspirations for 2014 and beyond.

Speakers:

Nicholas Williams, Head of Afghanistan Team, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

Andreas Fischer-Barnicol, Afghanistan Desk, European External Action Service (EEAS)
Najibullah Amiri, Chief Editor, Salam Watander
Najiba Ayubi, Director, Radio Killid
Mujahid Kakar, News Manager, Moby Media Group
Danish Karokhel, Director, Pajhwok Afghan News (PAN)

Khpolwak Sapai, Broadcasting Director, Shamshad TV