Afghanistan Studies Group

A selection of useful Afghanistan-specific websites:

Government Agencies, Initiatives, and Departments

Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA)

Independent Directorate of Local Governance – Created in 2007 in response to a World Bank report on failures in sub-national governance.  The IDLG reports directly to the President of Afghanistan.

The National Solidarity Programme - Created in 2003 by the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development in order to facilitate the creation and functioning of Community Development Councils promoting development activities at a local level within Afghanistan.

NGOs/Think Tanks

The Afghanistan Analyst – A one-stop shop for researchers and students of Afghanistan.  Includes a comprehensive bibliography on all subjects Afghanistan-related.

The Afghanistan Analysts Network – An independent policy research think-tank committed to policy in Afghanistan, producing high-quality reports and analysis.

The Afghan Center for Socio-Economic and Opinion Research – Providing a variety of public opinion surveys for various clients including news organisations, the UNDP, and the Asia Foundation.

Afghanistan Conflict Monitor – An initiative of the Human Security Report Project at the School for International Studies at Simon Fraser University.  Providing a variety of human security and development data, as well as information relating to the nature and conduct of the conflict.

Afghan Research and Evaluation Unit – an independent research institute based in Kabul. ‘AREU’s mission is to inform and influence policy and practice through conducting high-quality, policy-relevant research and actively disseminating the results, and to promote a culture of research and learning’.

The Agency Co-ordinating Body for Afghan Relief (ACBAR) – ‘provides the framework within which Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), the Afghan Government, the UN and bilateral donors can exchange information, share expertise and establish guidelines for a more coordinated, efficient and effective use of resources for aid to the Afghan people. Its activities have focused heavily on information to its members and the aid community in general, coordination of activities at the national and regional levels, and advocacy on issues affecting the work of its members in Afghanistan’.

The Asia Foundation – A well respected think tank with an Afghanistan section focussing on governance and development.

Human Rights Watch, Afghanistan – The Afghanistan-related work of the well respected NGO.

The International Council on Security and Development (ICOS) – An international think-tank with offices in Kabul.  Has research platforms in Iraq, Somalia, and Afghanistan and produces reports on a variety of topics around the security-development nexus, including a strong research strand on poppy cultivation and its potential as a source of medicine.

The International Crisis Group (ICG) – The Afghanistan section of this world-renowned international security think-tank includes highly detailed and insightful reports on a variety of aspects relating to the security and stabilisation of Afghanistan, as well as press commentaries and briefing papers.

The Liaison Office – ‘The Liaison Office (TLO) is a non-governmental organization aiming at improving local governance, stability and security in Afghanistan through systematic and institutionalized engagement with traditional tribal structures and civil society groups.’ (Quote taken from the website).

The Tribal Analysis Center - A small community of scholars that seeks to improve knowledge of ‘tribes’ and cultures in conflict areas.  Many of the works published here relate to Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Media

Afghanwire.com – A free web portal to Afghan media and regular newsletters.

The AfPak Channel – A joint initiative by Foreign Policy Magazine and the New America Foundation.  Dedicated coverage of events in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Kashmir.  Includes a sign on to a daily briefing which summarizes news coverage of events in the region in a short single email, including links.

Institute for War and Peace Reporting, Afghanistan – As the website puts it, ‘IWPR has played a leading role in the professionalization of the media within Afghanistan – establishing a vital leadership cadre of local media professionals throughout the country and across dozens of media institutions to assist in creating and sustaining vibrant and responsible journalism as a central pillar of public debate and accountability.’

Registan - Registan covers political and military stories directly while acting as an aggregator for Afghan-related analysis. Registan strays on occasion into the field of Central- and South-Asian politics, particularly with regard to Afghanistan.

Military and Security

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan – The NATO mission responsible for training the Afghan National Security Forces.

NEFA Foundation – ‘Plays a role in the fight against terror through cohesive and comprehensive efforts to research, analyze, and disseminate information pertaining to past and current terrorist activities’.  Includes coverage of Taliban activities.

Taliban Propaganda Watch RC South – Translated material ‘from web pages and forums carrying statements attributed to the Taliban, Taliban spokespersons or supporters of the Taliban, or analysis thereof’.  A focus on NATO’s Regional Command South.

Small Wars Journal – An e-journal favoured by practitioners and academics alike, including many of the so-called ‘COINdinistas’ (counter-insurgency experts).

US Army and Marine Corps Counterinsurgency Center Blog – Current COIN issues focussing on the US Army and Marine Corps.

New America Foundation – Afghanistan and Pakistan section of the American think tank.  Includes recent reports on conflict and militancy in Afghanistan and Pakistan as well as a comprehensive report detailing public opinion in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan.  The New America Foundation American Strategy Programme is also available here.

Other Afghanistan Research Groups

The American Institute of Afghanistan Studies