Afghanistan ReportsICOS Afghanistan reports are supported by extensive in-country field research, focusing on the southern provinces of Kandahar and Helmand. ICOS field teams conduct interviews with Afghan citizens in key districts, assessing their attitudes towards the international presence, the insurgency, the Afghan government and other key subjects. These interviews provide a unique illustration of the perceptions of ordinary Afghans towards vital security and development issues. 
Political Quagmire in Afghanistan (September 2009) Afghanistan’s election paralysis shows no sign of ending and a constitutional vacuum, possibly lasting months, looms with no functioning government. The presidential election on August 20 was marked by heavy fraud and widespread manipulation. Nearly a month after the first round of voting, the independent Election Complaints Commission – tasked with investigating the irregularities – has ordered a partial recount and audit, of 2500 polling … More
Afghanistan Election: Guns and Money (August 2009) AFGHANISTAN ELECTION UPDATE: Afghanistan’s Election: “Clear and Convincing Evidence of Fraud” Afghanistan’s presidential elections were held on August 20. Since polling day, the Independent Election Commission, an Afghan body, has been counting votes, but is monitored by the Electoral Complaints Commission. To take the Presidency on the first round a candidate must receive more than 50% of the votes cast. On September 8, preliminary results … More
Afghanistan’s Presidential Elections: Power to the People, or the Powerful? (March 2009) This report examines the key dynamics and personalities at play in the run up to the Afghan presidential election, which will determine the future course of Afghanistan. It details some recommendations for the conduct of the election, and possible scenarios that might shape its outcome. In February 2008, ICOS released a report called Decision Point 2008. This report listed the names of individuals listed … More
Struggle For Kabul: The Taliban Advance (December 2008) The Taliban now holds a permanent presence in 72% of Afghanistan, up from 54% a year ago. Taliban forces have advanced from their southern heartlands, where they are now the de facto governing power in a number of towns and villages, to Afghanistan’s western and north-western provinces, as well as provinces north of Kabul. Within a year, the Taliban’s permanent presence in … More 
Taliban now holds a permanent presence in 72% of Afghanistan; Up from 54% a year ago, according to new report8 December 2008 Taliban now holds a permanent presence in 72% of Afghanistan; Up from 54% a year ago, according to new report by The International Council on Security and Development (ICOS) Taliban is closing a noose around Kabul: Three out of four main highways into the capital city now compromised by Taliban ICOS calls for new Security Architecture in Afghanistan LONDON – The Taliban now holds a permanent presence … More
Chronic failures of US-led “war on terror” bolstering Somali and Afghan extremists23 April 2008 Chronic failures of US-led “war on terror” bolstering Somali and Afghan extremists President Bush must implement a Fast Track ‘Surge for Peace’ to bring stability to Somalia Recognition of Somaliland a political necessity in fight against extremism … More
Afghan and Somali Views on the United States Presidential Elections 2008 (April 2008) With both Afghanistan and Somalia strongly affected by US policy, the results of this year’s US Presidential elections are critical for both countries. Currently, three candidates remain in contention to succeed President Bush in the White House: Democratic rivals Senator Barack Obama and Senator Hillary Clinton, and Republican Senator John McCain. In March-April 2008, a series of interviews were carried out in Afghanistan and Somalia … More |