After the Taliban: Life and Security in Rural Afghanistan

by Neamatollah Nojumi, Dyan Mazurana Tufts University, Elizabeth Stites

Overview

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Despite the fall of the Taliban, Afghanistan remains a country in dire need of strong international support. Only with an understanding of the conditions in both urban and rural areas will the international community be able to offer aid and remain committed to long-term development.

This fascinating and clearly written book mines a rich and unique array of data, which was collected in rural areas of Afghanistan by an expert team of researchers, to analyze countrywide trends in the relationship between human security and livelihoods. The team's research and recommendations, published here for the first time, suggest that international assistance or national development strategies that ignore the long-term developmental and structural goals and sideline the moderate elements of Afghan society will be doomed to failure.

The authors' deeply informed policy recommendations will help to focus further action on vital issues such as co-optation of aid by armed political groups; water scarcity; contamination and degradation of the environment; education; health care; agriculture, livestock, and land health; and justice. A valuable resource for students, policymakers, donor governments, and national and international organizations, After the Taliban opens a rare window into the otherwise hidden lives of the people of rural Afghanistan.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780742540323
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	10/17/2008
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	338
Product dimensions:	6.20(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Neamatollah Nojumi is senior research fellow at the Center for World Religions, Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution of the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University. Dyan Mazurana is associate professor and research director at the Feinstein International Center at Tufts University. Elizabeth Stites is senior researcher at the Feinstein International Center at Tufts University.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Chapter 1: Provincial Background and Overview
Part I: Rural Afghans and Human Security
Chapter 2: Physical Security
Chapter 3: Social Issues
Chapter 4: Women's Rights
Chapter 5: Family and Sexual Systems
Chapter 6: Peace
Chapter 7: Part I Concluding Thoughts: Seeking Security
Part II: Rural Afghans and Livelihoods
Chapter 8: Livelihoods and Natural Resources of Rural Afghans
Chapter 9: Rural Livelihoods, Labor, and Income
Chapter 10: International Assistance
Chapter 11: Part II Concluding Thoughts: Linking Human Security and Livelihoods
Part III: Rural Afghans and Systems of Justice: Formal, Traditional, and Customary
Chapter 12: Formal Justice Systems
Chapter 13: Traditional and Customary Systems of Justice
Chapter 14: Part III Concluding Thoughts: Strengthening Justice and Rule of Law Systems
Chapter 15: Moving Towards Human Security
Afterword

Editorial Reviews

A welcome contribution on what is needed between the international community and the Afghan population: renewed trust. The authors help us better understand how enhancing the human security and livelihoods of Afghans sets the framework for reconstructing peace, dignity, and hope.

Ariane Brunet

An important and captivating book that contains one of the first analyses of local perceptions of human security in the immediate aftermath of the demise of the Taliban regime. It demonstrates that evidence-based research can play a crucial part in informing policy development. Donors, aid agencies, and scholars should pay more attention to research that puts the 'view from below’ at its core.

Antonio Donini

This excellent book develops a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the situation of the Afghan people as they face current and emerging threats to their security. The authors bring both an intimate understanding of the complex social structures relevant in Afghanistan and empirical evidence of the causes and consequences of human insecurity in the country.

Annalies Borrel

A detailed study of the terrible insecurity in which Afghans live.. .. Highly recommended.

Choice Reviews

A detailed study of the terrible insecurity in which Afghans live.. .. Highly recommended.

Choice

A welcome contribution on what is needed between the international community and the Afghan population: renewed trust. The authors help us better understand how enhancing the human security and livelihoods of Afghans sets the framework for reconstructing peace, dignity, and hope.--Ariane Brunet, Coalition for Women's Human Rights in Conflict Situations

This excellent book develops a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the situation of the Afghan people as they face current and emerging threats to their security. The authors bring both an intimate understanding of the complex social structures relevant in Afghanistan and empirical evidence of the causes and consequences of human insecurity in the country.--Annalies Borrel, United Nations Children's Fund

An important and captivating book that contains one of the first analyses of local perceptions of human security in the immediate aftermath of the demise of the Taliban regime. It demonstrates that evidence-based research can play a crucial part in informing policy development. Donors, aid agencies, and scholars should pay more attention to research that puts the 'view from below' at its core.--Antonio Donini, Feinstein International Center, former director of UN humanitarian coordination in Afghanistan

From the Publisher

A detailed study of the terrible insecurity in which Afghans live.. .. Highly recommended.

CHOICE