On the ground in Afghanistan, pre-election tension and hope.

Lack of security, slow progress in the disarmament of militias, and a weakly developed legal and institutional framework for democratic politics are endangering the success of Afghanistan's presidential and parliamentary elections due to be held in September.

Shifting Sands: Instability in Undefined Asia Author: Strategic Foresight Group Originally Published at Peace and Conflict Monitor on: 04/28/2003 Category: Special Report There are periods in history when the world changes. The Second World War from 1939 to 1945, and the end of Cold War and apartheid from 1989 to

Some have argued that the continued use of force in international relations demonstrates that the prohibition of the use of force in Article 2(4) of the UN Charter is meaningless and outdated. Kanade counters this position with a discourse on the purpose and interpretation of international law, and argues that

Jahan Zeb comments on the enduring contribution of historical figure Bacha Khan to transforming conflict through nonviolence in Afghanistan, Pakistan and India.

Dr Victoria Fontan reflects on the role of honor and humiliation motivating insurgents in both Iraq and Afghanistan -- as well as the Afghan soldier who recently killed four French soldiers participating in the NATO mission in the country.

It is increasingly recognized that if civilized society is to contain and defeat international terrorism, we must confront the threat in two related and mutually reinforcing ways. We must maintain adequate levels of military security and take strong, direct action, including military action where necessary, to confront and eradicate

Victoria Fontan and Adolphe Kilomba discuss the context and motivations behind France's intervention in Mali, as well as some of the legal arguments used to justify it.

Are US/NATO efforts to empower women and equalize Afghan society undercut by the segregation policies of their own camps and insensitivity to local staff? Jade Wu reports from Kabul and Kunduz.

This paper analyses the role of Afghanistan's regional neighbours in securing it's recovery and stability, as well as the wider implications of America's strategic policies in the region. Will things fall apart or hold together in Afghanistan after December 2014?