Afghanaid Panel Discussion at SOAS (7 October)
On 7 October, Afghanaid and the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) hosted a panel discussion on ‘Afghanistan after the elections’ in which the Chief of the General Staff of the British Army, General Sir David Richards, the journalist and authority on Afghanistan and Pakistan, Ahmed Rashid, and former EU envoy to Kabul, Franscesc Vendrell took part.
Other participants included Horia Mosadiq of Amnesty International, Dawood Azimi of the BBC, Aminullah Habibi, an authority on Islam and democracy, and David Page of Afghanaid. Lyse Doucet of the BBC chaired the panel.
General Richards expressed his confidence in the strategy of military reinforcement recommended by US General Stanley McChrystal. Rashid argued strongly against any further delay in implementing the strategy. Vendrell held that reform of the election commission was necessary before any new poll could be held and proposed the formation of a government of national unity until the constitution could be amended.
Afghanaid’s chairman, David Page, spoke about the dangers involved in the ‘militarization of aid’, which had resulted in concentration on the south of the country and neglect of the north, where real development was still possible.
The evening was well attended by journalists, NGO representatives and supporters, diplomats, Afghan nationals and students.
We apologise as Part 7 is currently unavailable.
Disclaimer: Any views or opinions presented do not necessarily represent those of Afghanaid.