Afghanistan and its Neighbors: the Challenge of 2014
Niklas Swanström
The focus of international attention has shifted away from Afghanistan as the conflicts in Egypt and Syria have intensified, but the prospect of the withdrawal of U.S. and allied troops in 2014 raises the possibility that the situation there may take a turn for the worse and again demand our attention. It is beyond doubt that all regional actors have both strategic and economic interests in the region, but the question is how they will respond to the reduction of the current forces, as there is a clear threat that 2014
will mark the beginning of increased instability. It is often heard, not least in China and India, that the U.S. troop drawdown will not be as fast or large as has been claimed, as this would reduce U.S. influence in the extended region. This is an argument that is not in tune with the situation in Washington, where there is an eagerness to minimize international engagements, not least in terms of the financial burden they entail and also for their impact on higher priority domestic issues. The speed and extent of the withdrawal will be decided as we go along, but the tide has turned and the current forces will be reduced.
Appears in the Conference Report “Security and Development in Afghanistan After 2014 6th Annual ISDP-AMS Conference December 6-8, 2013”, Ed. David Mulrooney
Related Publications
-
Political and Economic Reforms in Kazakhstan Under President Tokayev
Executive Summary Kazakhstan’s leaders have long harbored ambitious visions for their country’s future. The country’s first President, Nursultan Nazarbayev, launched several far-reaching goals for the country’s development, most notably in […]
-
Kazakhstan’s Role in International Mediation under First President Nursultan Nazarbayev
Executive Summary In the past decade, Kazakhstan has emerged as an important player in the world of mediation of international disputes. Its role in convening the Astana talks on Syria […]
-
Religion and the Secular State in Kyrgyzstan
Summary Since independence, religion has become ever more important as an identity marker in Kyrgyzstan, with increased practical relevance in the everyday lives of many citizens. This religious revival poses […]
-
Religion and the Secular State in Turkmenistan
Summary Since gaining its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Turkmenistan has seen an increased presence of religion in everyday life. Islam has been a continuous cornerstone of Turkmen […]
-
A Steady Hand: The EU 2019 Strategy & Policy Toward Central Asia
Executive Summary The launch of a new EU Strategy for Central Asia in June 2019 marked a milestone in the gradual development of relations between the EU and the region. […]