Afghanistan

Afghanistan

Population30,419,928

CapitalKabul

For the past three decades Afghanistan has suffered chronic instability and conflict. 11 years after the US-led coalition invasion, international military forces from 40 countries are still fighting the Taliban under an alliance led by NATO.  By the end of 2014, NATO troops will gradually withdraw for Afghan security forces to lead across the country. In April 2014 presidential elections will also be held.  Since 2010, the Government of Afghanistan (GoA), with its international partners, has made efforts towards peace via the Afghan Peace and Reintegration Programme (APRP), which seeks to reintegrate insurgents in return for security, jobs and other incentives. The APRP is led by a 70 member High Peace Council, a Joint Secretariat, and is supported by Provincial Peace Councils. Steps towards negotiating a peace settlement with high-level Afghan Taliban representatives have been taken by the international forces and the GoA, while also engaging the Pakistani Government and Pakistani Taliban.