Natural Resources and Conflict in Afghanistan
Written by Renard Sexton, Afghanistan Watch
This new study from Afghanistan Watch indicates that throughout the country natural resources are driving violence. The report, authored by researcher Renard Sexton and released on September 17th by Afghanistan Watch, details seven recent case studies of natural resource conflicts in Afghanistan, and analyzes major trends in the sector and their implications for Afghanistan›s transition.
In short, natural resources (including land, water, mining and timber) have been an important driving factor in numerous local and regional violence, and are likely to continue as a major source of conflict in the short to medium term. With a concerted effort to integrate them into an inclusive political settlement, however, natural resources could also contribute to stability in the medium and long term.
The seven case studies in the analysis include two land conflicts, two water conflicts, two mining conflicts and one timber conflict. Based on more than sixty interviews, several hundred reports and articles and numerous book sources, the cases cut across regional and ethnic boundaries and touch on regional and international players in Afghanistan.
Read the report here.
