Study: Afghanistan has missed many opportunities after the Bonn Conference

Since the Bonn Conference in 2001, Afghanistan has missed a lot of opportunities and chances for its further development. These findings are contained in the Kabul Center for Strategic and Regional Studies of Afghanistan-report study. The report was presented to the media on 17 January.

The report-study also shows that many Afghans have distrust to what is happening in many areas of its national life, particularly in the field of public administration, the peace process, the fight against terrorism, the economic situation and the security situation. In addition, people are still worried about the future of the country.

Center Director Amin Abdul Baqi said at the presentation of the report in Kabul that although Afghanistan over the past decade and a half, has witnessed some progress, but the overall steps necessary to meet national needs and aspirations have not been made.

“With the opportunities that were made available to Afghanistan, proper control was not carried out to allow Afghanistan move ahead and to create related infrastructure. It has received a lot of help, which has been spent, and this has hindered the building of infrastructure, “- he said.

The research reports, which in printed form consists of 400 pages, covers various spheres of the country’s national life – the peace process, foreign policy, the refugees, the economic situation, security and education, including higher education.

In particular, a public opinion poll conducted in six major cities of the country, showed that 62 percent of respondents are dissatisfied with the efforts to establish peace. 87 percent criticized the unbalanced policy of Afghanistan to countries of the region. Another 76 percent are convinced that the government’s fight against corruption is just slogans.

About 90 percent of respondents are convinced that Afghanistan is facing challenges in the area of good governance. 80 percent do not believe in the possibility of improving the economic situation. Another 58 per cent do not believe even its citizens personal safety.

Center for Strategic and Regional Studies conducted a poll in Kabul, Kandahar, Herat, Mazar-i-Sharif, Jalalabad and Kunduz. The survey was conducted of 700 experts and university professors.

There is a variety of public opinion polls in Afghanistan. However, the authors of this study believe that the study of all 15 years in one report is a unique step.
The international community has assisted Afghanistan with billions of dollars during this 15 years. However, the nature of its expenditure is often criticized, including its connection with corruption.

Deputy of official representative of the President Shah Hussain Murtazavi said to Radio “Liberty” that the Government appreciates this study. However, he stressed that in addition to this study, there are other public opinion polls, which show that people are satisfied with the government’s foreign policy, as well as with it construction of infrastructure.

According to him, other public opinion polls, in particular, carried out by “Freedom House”, which deals with the study of public sentiment, shows that the people are satisfied with the work of the government and its policies, especially in the field of security, foreign policy and the construction of infrastructure. He once again stressed that they respect all organizations that conduct surveys, however, there are other polls that also shows that people are satisfied with the work of the government.

Expert Zabir Shafifi found the study of Center for Strategic and Regional Studies as an important source for solving problems related to governance. However, in his opinion, the foundation of all these problems was laid at the Bonn conference.

He expressed confidence that the problem arose because of the formation of the government at the Bonn conference on ethnic grounds, and if the system does not change, they will last for a long time.