Damon Mcknight
Rory Stewart is a British academic, broadcaster, former diplomat, and politician. He has served as a member of Parliament, cabinet secretary, and minister in four departments of the British Government. He has also served as the Ryan Family Professor of Human Rights and the director of the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy at Harvard University. In addition to his political career, Stewart is a travel writer, having walked across Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, India, and Nepal. His book The Places in Between recounts his journey across Afghanistan and has been widely acclaimed.
Stewart brings a unique and nuanced perspective to discussions of Afghanistan. In his writings and interviews, he emphasizes the importance of understanding the local culture, history, and dynamics of the country. He argues that foreign interventions in Afghanistan should be rigorously measured and that there is a limited obligation on the part of Western countries to intervene. He highlights the complexities and challenges of nation-building and cautions against overly ambitious goals.
Stewart's views on Afghanistan are shaped by his extensive travels in the region and his experience working in diplomacy and international development. He emphasizes the need for a more cautious and moderate approach, focusing on development and counter-terrorism rather than state-building. He advocates for a long-term, patient partnership with Afghanistan that respects local customs and seeks to improve the lives of Afghans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Knowledge of Afghanistan | Nuanced |
| Experience in Afghanistan | Walked across Afghanistan in 2002, lived in Kabul from 2005-2008, and has worked with the Turquoise Mountain Foundation |
| Views on the Taliban | Sees the Taliban as a threat, but also acknowledges that they were able to eliminate much corruption, restore security on the roads, and host al-Qaida |
| Views on the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan | Believes the U.S. government could have been more generous and flexible in its funding to Afghanistan |
| Views on humanitarian interventions | Advocates for abandoning the "all in or all out" mentality and instead, developing patient, moderate partnerships with the countries |
| Views on the future of Afghanistan | Believes that Afghanistan is the graveyard of predictions and that the future of the country is uncertain |
What You'll Learn
The Taliban's impact on Afghanistan
The Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan has had a devastating impact on the country's economy, security, and human rights, particularly for women and girls.
Economy
The Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in 2021 led to a sharp contraction and reconfiguration of the country's economy. The loss of international aid, which previously constituted around 40% of Afghanistan's GDP, caused a steep decline in aggregate demand and widespread disruptions to public services. The country also lost access to the international banking system and its foreign exchange reserves, and there was a mass exodus of highly skilled Afghans.
The Afghan economy contracted by 20.7% in 2021 and a further 6.2% in 2022. The Taliban's restrictions on women have severely impacted the economy, as have the reduced demand, lower employment, and disruptions to services. The World Bank estimates that the country's economic outlook remains uncertain, with the threat of stagnation looming until at least 2025.
Security
The Taliban's victory has brought an end to major fighting in the country, which has benefited many businesses and individuals. Most road checkpoints have been removed, and there is much less corruption in customs. However, people still express fear of violence and arbitrary arrests by the Taliban, and there are reports of increased crime in some areas.
Human Rights
The Taliban have imposed a harsh interpretation of Islamic law, despite previous pledges to respect the rights of women and religious and ethnic minorities. They have cracked down on women's rights, restricted press freedoms, and violently suppressed demonstrations. The group has also reestablished its Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, which enforces prohibitions on behavior deemed un-Islamic.
Women and girls have been prohibited from attending secondary school and university and banned from most jobs. They are also required to wear a burqa and have a male chaperone when traveling. These restrictions have created huge barriers to women's health and education and deprived many of earned income.
International Response
The international community has recalibrated its approach to supporting Afghanistan, prioritizing humanitarian support and basic service delivery. The World Bank, for example, has provided over $1.7 billion in support to the Afghan people since 2021. However, many Western countries have refused to recognize and establish diplomatic ties with the Taliban government.
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The importance of development in Afghanistan
Rory Stewart is a former diplomat, British cabinet secretary, and member of Parliament. He is also a senior fellow at Yale’s Jackson Institute for Global Affairs. In that role, he has helped establish the Yale Development Dialogues, a discussion series that applies lessons from history and economics to policy problems in developing countries.
Stewart walked across Afghanistan in 2002, a journey he recounted in his widely acclaimed 2006 book, "The Places in Between." In 2005, he moved to Kabul to establish and lead the Turquoise Mountain Foundation, a nonprofit organization that works to revive craft industries.
Stewart has a unique and nuanced perspective on Afghanistan. He believes that development and humanitarian interventions in countries like Afghanistan require a patient, moderate partnership. He argues that the "all in or all out" mentality is counterproductive and that a steadier, lighter, and more balanced involvement is needed.
Stewart highlights the progress that had been made in Afghanistan over the past 20 years before the Taliban regained control. He notes the development of infrastructure, the improvement of access to healthcare and education, and the empowerment of women. However, he laments that these gains have been undone almost overnight following the US withdrawal and the Taliban's return to power.
Stewart emphasizes the importance of development in Afghanistan to improve the lives of Afghans. He suggests that the US and other western countries should be more generous and flexible in their approach. He advocates for supporting Afghanistan's export industry and avoiding actions that would cripple the Afghan economy.
Stewart's perspective on Afghanistan is informed by his extensive experience in the region and his understanding of the complexities on the ground. He argues for a more nuanced and balanced approach to development and humanitarian interventions, recognizing the limitations of foreign powers and the need for long-term commitment.
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The role of the international community in Afghanistan
Rory Stewart, a former diplomat and politician, has a unique and nuanced perspective on Afghanistan. He walked across the country in 2002, a journey he recounted in his widely acclaimed 2006 book, "The Places in Between". In 2005, he moved to Kabul to establish and lead the Turquoise Mountain Foundation, a non-profit organisation that works to revive craft industries.
Stewart has been critical of the international community's intervention in Afghanistan, particularly the US and other Western countries. He argues that the "all in or all out" mentality needs to be abandoned in favour of more patient, moderate, and balanced partnerships with the country. He believes that the international community, including the US, needs to be more flexible and generous in their approach, and that destroying the Afghan economy only adds insult to injury.
Stewart highlights the progress that had been made in Afghanistan prior to the US withdrawal, including improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, and education. He laments that this progress has been undone almost overnight, and that the lives of Afghans have been significantly impacted as a result.
He calls for a more modest and realistic approach to international intervention, acknowledging the complexity and chaos of rebuilding an entire nation. He suggests that a steadier, lighter, and more balanced involvement is needed, one that respects local knowledge, culture, and autonomy.
Stewart's perspective on the role of the international community in Afghanistan is informed by his extensive experience in the region and his understanding of the limitations of power and capacity. He advocates for a more nuanced approach that recognises the complexity of the situation and prioritises long-term partnerships over short-term fixes.
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The challenges of counter-insurgency in Afghanistan
Rory Stewart, a former diplomat, British cabinet secretary, and member of Parliament, brings a unique and nuanced perspective to discussions of Afghanistan. Here is an overview of the challenges of counter-insurgency in Afghanistan, drawing from Stewart's insights and experiences.
Understanding the Complex Reality
The situation in Afghanistan is incredibly complex, and any counter-insurgency strategy must acknowledge and address this complexity. Afghanistan is a diverse country with strong traditions of local self-government and autonomy, significant ethnic differences, and shared moral values. The country has a history of outside intervention, dating back to the 19th century, with varying degrees of success. Stewart emphasizes the need to understand the local context, including the power dynamics, cultural norms, and historical grievances, to develop effective counter-insurgency strategies.
Navigating Cultural and Religious Sensitivities
Afghanistan is a predominantly Muslim country, and any counter-insurgency efforts must be sensitive to cultural and religious norms. Stewart's experiences highlight the importance of respecting and adhering to local customs, such as removing shoes before entering a home or refraining from certain actions during Ramadan. Understanding and respecting these cultural and religious sensitivities is crucial for building trust and cooperation with the local population, which is essential for effective counter-insurgency.
Building Trust and Legitimacy
Gaining the trust and support of the Afghan people is critical for counter-insurgency efforts. Stewart's walk across Afghanistan and his interactions with locals demonstrate the importance of building personal connections, showing respect, and earning the trust of the Afghan people. Counter-insurgency strategies must focus on protecting and empowering local communities, addressing their needs and grievances, and ensuring that any interventions are perceived as legitimate and beneficial by the Afghan people.
Addressing Economic and Social Issues
Economic and social issues, such as poverty, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to education and healthcare, are significant challenges in Afghanistan. Counter-insurgency strategies must address these issues by investing in economic development, creating job opportunities, improving access to essential services, and promoting social justice. Stewart emphasizes the importance of a long-term commitment to improving the lives of the Afghan people, rather than short-term, quick-fix solutions.
Balancing Military and Civilian Approaches
A purely military approach to counter-insurgency is unlikely to succeed in Afghanistan. Stewart argues for a more balanced approach that combines military and civilian efforts. This includes strengthening the Afghan security forces, improving governance, and addressing the root causes of insurgency, such as poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunities. A comprehensive approach that addresses security, development, and governance is more likely to be effective in countering insurgency.
Managing Regional Dynamics
Afghanistan's stability is closely linked to the dynamics of its neighboring countries, particularly Pakistan. Counter-insurgency strategies must recognize and address the regional dimensions of the conflict, including cross-border movements of insurgents, safe havens, and external support for insurgent groups. Stewart emphasizes the need for a coordinated and collaborative approach with Afghanistan's neighbors to effectively tackle the insurgency.
In conclusion, counter-insurgency in Afghanistan is an incredibly complex and challenging endeavor. Stewart's insights highlight the importance of understanding the local context, respecting cultural and religious sensitivities, building trust and legitimacy, addressing economic and social issues, balancing military and civilian approaches, and managing regional dynamics. A successful counter-insurgency strategy in Afghanistan requires a deep understanding of the country, flexibility, and a long-term commitment to supporting and empowering local communities.
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The future of diplomacy in Afghanistan
Rory Stewart, a former diplomat and politician, has a unique and nuanced perspective on Afghanistan. He walked across the country in 2002, an experience he recounted in his widely acclaimed 2006 book, "The Places in Between".
Stewart argues that the future of diplomacy in Afghanistan requires abandoning the "all in or all out" mentality. Instead, he advocates for developing patient, moderate partnerships with the country. He criticises the approach of spraying large sums of money and then suddenly withdrawing support, which he believes adds insult to injury.
Stewart suggests a steadier, lighter, and more balanced involvement in Afghanistan. He emphasises the importance of listening to and being respectful of the local people, forming long-term partnerships, and working towards moderate and achievable goals. He highlights the need for a more modest mission focused on improving education, healthcare, road infrastructure, and supporting free and fair elections.
Stewart also stresses the importance of understanding the local culture and history. He points out that Afghanistan is a society with strong traditions of local self-government and autonomy, and significant ethnic differences. He questions the appropriateness of a centralised state model for such a diverse and mountainous country.
In conclusion, Stewart's vision for the future of diplomacy in Afghanistan involves a reduced military presence, a long-term commitment to development, and a respectful, nuanced approach that takes into account the country's unique cultural, historical, and social context.
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Frequently asked questions
Rory Stewart believes that outsiders have a limited obligation to help Afghanistan. He advocates for a more cautious approach, reducing the number of foreign troops and focusing on development and counter-terrorism. He argues that the West should provide generous development assistance as an end in itself, rather than solely to maintain consent for counter-terrorism operations.
Rory Stewart has a negative view of the Taliban, describing them as "religious resistance" that the West deliberately fostered in the 1980s to defeat the Russians. He criticises their brutality, incompetence, and primitive attitudes, noting that millions of Afghans disliked them. He acknowledges that the Taliban provided basic road security and justice during their previous administration but highlights that it was fragile and quickly fell.
Rory Stewart is critical of the US and other Western countries' handling of Afghanistan. He argues that their interventions should be rigorously measured and that there is a limited obligation to help. He believes that troop increases make failure more likely and advocates for a reduced military presence, allowing the Taliban to face a stalemate.
Rory Stewart acknowledges the complexities and uncertainties of predicting Afghanistan's future. He suggests that the country may become more violent or find a decentralised equilibrium or new national unity. He emphasises the importance of continuing to encourage positive trends and contain negative ones, working with Afghan communities that want to engage with the West.
