As Afghanistan grapples with the aftermath of the Taliban’s return to power, the country faces the daunting task of rebuilding its political institutions from the ground up. The failures of the previous centralized, autocratic system have laid bare the urgent need for a fundamental rethinking of Afghanistan’s governance model – one that is rooted in the principles of democracy, inclusivity, and responsiveness to the diverse needs of the Afghan people. A recent conference hosted by Mosaic Foundation at Hughes Hall College at Cambridge University discussed the many internal and external dynamics to the conflict in Afghanistan and tried to lay the foundations for a path forward.

Featuring a host of speakers from the last ambassador of the United Kingdom to Afghanistan, Sir Laurie Bristow, the ambassador of Afghanistan to the United Nations in Geneva, academics, policy makers, diplomats and lawmakers: the Mosaic Foundation’s Conference laid the pathway, an ambitious conference over two days towards rule of law reforms, democratic reforms and highlighted the duty to rebuild Afghanistan for the future of the Afghan people.

To Embrace Decentralization and Federalism?

At the heart of this new political vision must be a shift towards a decentralized, federal system of governance. The concentration of power in Kabul has long been a source of resentment and alienation for Afghanistan’s provinces and regions, fueling cycles of conflict and instability. By devolving authority to subnational levels of government, a federal model can empower local communities to shape the policies and institutions that directly impact their lives.

This could involve the establishment of regional parliaments or assemblies with the power to enact laws and regulations tailored to their unique cultural, economic, and social contexts. Provincial and local authorities would be responsible for the delivery of essential public services, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development, while the central government would focus on national security, foreign policy, and the coordination of economic and social policies.

Crucially, the federal system must be designed to address Afghanistan’s longstanding ethnic and regional tensions. This may require the creation of autonomous or semi-autonomous regions with the power to manage their own affairs, as well as the equitable distribution of resources and decision-making authority across the country. The successful implementation of such a system would depend on the active participation and buy-in of diverse political and civil society stakeholders, as well as the support of the international community.

Strengthening Democratic Institutions

Alongside the shift towards decentralization, the rebuilding of Afghanistan’s political system must also prioritise the strengthening of democratic institutions and processes. This will involve the establishment of a robust, independent electoral commission to oversee the conduct of free and fair elections, as well as the creation of a multiparty system that allows for the meaningful representation of diverse political ideologies and interests.

The new Afghan constitution must enshrine the principles of democratic governance, including the separation of powers, the protection of civil liberties, and the accountability of elected officials to their constituents. This will require the development of effective mechanisms for public participation, such as town hall meetings, citizen advisory boards, and open government initiatives that promote transparency and responsiveness.

Moreover, the political system must be designed to empower traditionally marginalized groups, including women, ethnic and religious minorities, and youth. This could involve the implementation of affirmative action policies, the reservation of seats in legislative bodies, and the provision of targeted support for the political participation of underrepresented communities.

Fostering a Culture of Civil Society Engagement

Ultimately, the success of Afghanistan’s political transformation will depend on the active engagement and investment of the Afghan people themselves. This will require a concerted effort to cultivate a culture of civic participation, where citizens are empowered to hold their leaders accountable, advocate for their interests, and contribute to the shaping of their country’s future.

This can be achieved through a range of initiatives, including civic education programs, community-based advocacy campaigns, and the strengthening of civil society organizations that serve as a bridge between the government and the people. By nurturing a vibrant, engaged citizenry, Afghanistan can lay the foundation for a political system that is truly responsive to the needs and aspirations of its diverse population.

Moreover, the rebuilding of Afghanistan’s political system must be accompanied by a commitment to transparency, anti-corruption measures, and the rule of law. This will involve the establishment of independent oversight bodies, the implementation of robust financial management systems, and the prosecution of those who have abused their positions of power.

The Geopolitical Tug-of-War: Afghanistan’s Struggle Against External Interference

Afghanistan has long been in the crosshairs of regional and global powers, serving as a strategic battleground where the ambitions and machinations of outside states have been played out with devastating consequences for the Afghan people. From the “Great Game” between the British and Russian empires in the 19th century to the Cold War proxy wars of the 20th century, Afghanistan has been exploited, manipulated and ravaged by external forces seeking to advance their own interests at the expense of Afghan sovereignty and stability.

The roots of Afghanistan’s current predicament can be traced back to its geographic location, which has made it a coveted prize for expansionist powers. Situated at the heart of Asia, Afghanistan has been described as the “roundabout of a compass,” a bridge between East and West that has drawn the covetous gaze of regional heavyweights like Russia, China, Iran and Pakistan, as well as global superpowers such as the United States and its NATO allies.

Over the decades, these external actors have ruthlessly pursued their own agendas in Afghanistan, often with little regard for the Afghan people or the long-term consequences of their actions. The Soviet invasion of 1979, for instance, was driven by Moscow’s desire to shore up its influence in the region and counter Western encroachment, leading to a brutal occupation that devastated the country and fueled the rise of Islamist mujahedeen groups.

Similarly, Pakistan’s support for the Taliban in the 1990s, driven by Islamabad’s desire to install a pliant regime in Kabul and secure strategic depth against India, has had disastrous repercussions that Pakistan is still grappling with today. The chaotic American withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, meanwhile, has left the country in a precarious state, with the Taliban government struggling to gain international legitimacy and address the country’s myriad economic and humanitarian crises.

Throughout this tumultuous history, Afghanistan has been reduced to a pawn in the great power rivalries that have engulfed the region. Its people have endured the ravages of war, displacement, and economic devastation, while their country has been systematically looted of its natural resources and strategic value by outside actors.

The challenge now is to break this cycle of external interference and empower the Afghan people to chart their own course. This will require a concerted effort by the international community to support sustainable development, good governance, and inclusive political processes in Afghanistan, while respecting the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Only then can Afghanistan truly emerge from the shadows of its troubled past and reclaim its rightful place as a prosperous, stable, and independent nation.

The Duty to Rebuild Afghanistan’s Future: Legal Reforms for a New Afghanistan

Afghanistan stands at a critical juncture, facing immense challenges after decades of conflict and instability. As the country grapples with the collapse of the previous government and the rise of Taliban rule, there is an urgent need to chart a new path forward that addresses the root causes of Afghanistan’s problems and lays the groundwork for a stable, prosperous, and just future. This will require a multifaceted approach that harnesses the power of legal reforms, political restructuring, and vibrant civil society engagement.

At the heart of Afghanistan’s reconstruction must be a comprehensive overhaul of its legal framework, starting with the development of a new constitution. The country’s previous constitutions have been plagued by inconsistencies, loopholes, and a lack of adherence to international human rights standards. The new constitution must enshrine the principles of democracy, the rule of law, and the protection of fundamental freedoms for all Afghans.

This process should draw inspiration from successful constitutional reform efforts in other post-conflict societies, such as South Africa’s transition to a democratic system in the 1990s. The new Afghan constitution should include robust protections for civil liberties, including freedom of expression, assembly, and religion, as well as establish an independent judiciary with the power to hold the government accountable.

Crucially, the constitutional reforms must address the systemic discrimination and marginalisation that have long plagued Afghanistan’s diverse ethnic, religious, and linguistic communities. The new legal order must guarantee equal rights and opportunities for all Afghans, regardless of their background, and provide robust mechanisms for the redress of past injustices. This could include the creation of specialised courts or truth and reconciliation commissions to address issues such as land disputes, forced displacement, and the legacy of human rights abuses.

Political Restructuring for Inclusive Governance

Alongside legal reforms, Afghanistan must undertake a profound restructuring of its political system to foster inclusive, accountable, and responsive governance. The country’s history of centralized, autocratic rule has contributed to the alienation of local communities and the perpetuation of conflict. Moving forward, Afghanistan should embrace a federal or decentralized model of governance that empowers provincial and local authorities to address the unique needs and aspirations of their constituents.

This could involve the establishment of regional parliaments or assemblies with the power to enact laws and policies tailored to their local contexts, as well as the devolution of key government functions, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development, to subnational authorities. The central government would maintain responsibility for national security, foreign policy, and the coordination of economic and social policies, but would be subject to robust checks and balances to prevent the concentration of power.

Crucially, the political restructuring of Afghanistan must address the country’s long-standing ethnic and regional tensions. This may involve the creation of autonomous or semi-autonomous regions with the power to manage their own affairs, as well as the equitable distribution of resources and decision-making authority across the country. The successful implementation of such a system would require the active participation and buy-in of diverse political and civil society stakeholders, as well as the support of the international community.

Combating Human Rights Abuses

Alongside the constitutional changes, Afghanistan must also prioritize the protection and promotion of human rights, particularly in the wake of the Taliban’s return to power. The new government must be held accountable for any violations of civil liberties, including the suppression of women’s rights, the persecution of religious and ethnic minorities, and the use of torture or extrajudicial killings.

To this end, Afghanistan should establish a strong and independent national human rights commission, with the authority to investigate abuses, provide remedies for victims, and recommend policy reforms. The country should also ratify and implement key international human rights treaties, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

Moreover, Afghanistan should work closely with the United Nations and other international bodies to ensure that human rights violations are thoroughly documented and that perpetrators are held accountable through the criminal justice system. This may involve the establishment of specialized war crimes tribunals or the referral of cases to the International Criminal Court.

Empowering Civil Society for Sustainable Change

Ultimately, the success of Afghanistan’s reconstruction will depend on the active engagement and empowerment of its civil society. This includes a vibrant and independent media, human rights organizations, professional associations, and grassroots community groups that can hold the government accountable, advocate for the needs of marginalized communities, and drive social and economic development.

As Afghanistan grapples with the aftermath of the Taliban’s return to power, the country faces the daunting task of rebuilding its political institutions from the ground up. The failures of the previous centralized, autocratic system have laid bare the urgent need for a fundamental rethinking of Afghanistan’s governance model – one that is rooted in the principles of democracy, inclusivity, and responsiveness to the diverse needs of the Afghan people.

At the heart of this new political vision must be a shift towards a decentralized, federal system of governance. The concentration of power in Kabul has long been a source of resentment and alienation for Afghanistan’s provinces and regions, fueling cycles of conflict and instability. By devolving authority to subnational levels of government, a federal model can empower local communities to shape the policies and institutions that directly impact their lives.

This could involve the establishment of regional parliaments or assemblies with the power to enact laws and regulations tailored to their unique cultural, economic, and social contexts. Provincial and local authorities would be responsible for the delivery of essential public services, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development, while the central government would focus on national security, foreign policy, and the coordination of economic and social policies.

Crucially, the federal system must be designed to address Afghanistan’s longstanding ethnic and regional tensions. This may require the creation of autonomous or semi-autonomous regions with the power to manage their own affairs, as well as the equitable distribution of resources and decision-making authority across the country. The successful implementation of such a system would depend on the active participation and buy-in of diverse political and civil society stakeholders, as well as the support of the international community.

Strengthening Democratic Institutions

Alongside the shift towards decentralization, the rebuilding of Afghanistan’s political system must also prioritize the strengthening of democratic institutions and processes. This will involve the establishment of a robust, independent electoral commission to oversee the conduct of free and fair elections, as well as the creation of a multiparty system that allows for the meaningful representation of diverse political ideologies and interests.

The new Afghan constitution must enshrine the principles of democratic governance, including the separation of powers, the protection of civil liberties, and the accountability of elected officials to their constituents. This will require the development of effective mechanisms for public participation, such as town hall meetings, citizen advisory boards, and open government initiatives that promote transparency and responsiveness.

Moreover, the political system must be designed to empower traditionally marginalized groups, including women, ethnic and religious minorities, and youth. This could involve the implementation of affirmative action policies, the reservation of seats in legislative bodies, and the provision of targeted support for the political participation of underrepresented communities.

Fostering a Culture of Civil Society Engagement

Ultimately, the success of Afghanistan’s political transformation will depend on the active engagement and investment of the Afghan people themselves. This will require a concerted effort to cultivate a culture of civic participation, where citizens are empowered to hold their leaders accountable, advocate for their interests, and contribute to the shaping of their country’s future.

This can be achieved through a range of initiatives, including civic education programs, community-based advocacy campaigns, and the strengthening of civil society organizations that serve as a bridge between the government and the people. By nurturing a vibrant, engaged citizenry, Afghanistan can lay the foundation for a political system that is truly responsive to the needs and aspirations of its diverse population.

Moreover, the rebuilding of Afghanistan’s political system must be accompanied by a commitment to transparency, anti-corruption measures, and the rule of law. This will involve the establishment of independent oversight bodies, the implementation of robust financial management systems, and the prosecution of those who have abused their positions of power.

In conclusion, the task of rebuilding Afghanistan’s political system is a daunting one, but it is a necessary step towards a more stable, prosperous, and just future for the country and its people. By embracing the principles of decentralization, democratic governance, and civic engagement, Afghanistan can chart a new course that addresses the root causes of its longstanding conflicts and empowers its citizens to shape their own destiny.

This will require the sustained commitment and support of the international community, as well as the unwavering determination of the Afghan people themselves. But with a clear vision and a steadfast commitment to the values of democracy, human rights, and inclusive governance, Afghanistan can emerge from the ashes of its past and forge a brighter future for all its citizens.

The task of rebuilding Afghanistan’s political system is a daunting one, but it is a necessary step towards a more stable, prosperous, and just future for the country and its people. By embracing the principles of decentralisation, democratic governance, and civic engagement, Afghanistan can chart a new course that addresses the root causes of its longstanding conflicts and empowers its citizens to shape their own destiny.

This will require the sustained commitment and support of the international community, as well as the unwavering determination of the Afghan people themselves. But with a clear vision and a steadfast commitment to the values of democracy, human rights, and inclusive governance, Afghanistan can emerge from the ashes of its past and forge a brighter future for all its citizens.