On Wednesday, October 28, 2020, the Afghan Institute for Strategic Studies (AISS) organized the launching ceremony for the book "Neutrality and Vulnerable States” authored by Dr. Nasir Ahmad Andisha, permanent representative of Afghanistan to the United Nations. This book offers a timely and concise academic and historical background to the concept and practice of neutrality, a relatively new phenomenon in foreign and security policy.
This event was accompanied by Dr. Nasir Ahmad Andisha, author of the book; Gen. Sher Mohammad Karimi, former chief of the general staff of the Afghan army; Janan Mosazai, former spokesman for the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Dr. Jafar Mahdavi, former member of the Afghan parliament; and Dr. Timor Sharan, former deputy minister at independent directorate of local governance, with moderation by Metra Mehran, civil activist and researcher.
In his speech, Dr. Andisha explained the phenomenon of government neutrality policy and the possibility of a permanent policy of neutrality for Afghanistan. The phenomenon of neutrality is as old as war and peace, he said; however, during this time, it has not found its definite position. He stated that when the nation-state debate arose, the phenomenon of neutrality also found its place. He studied Afghanistan's neutrality policy in comparison to that of other five countries which are in a similar situation to Afghanistan. He presented a theoretical framework on the possibility of maintaining a permanent neutral status which includes eight indicators, the five belongs to the domestic policy dimensions and the other three to foreign policy.
Gen. Shir Mohammad Karimi said that all preceding governments of Afghanistan have always tried to remain neutral in international affairs. However, neighboring countries were acting as a hindrance to this act of neutrality. General Karimi mentioned that many issues should be considered regarding the possibility of a neutral policy in Afghanistan, including the economic and the security situation, a centralized-powerful government, corruption, and the geopolitical location. He further stated that various countries have tried to destroy Afghanistan's neutrality throughout the history, especially Pakistan as it is implementing their strategies in regards to disrupt the Afghanistan's neutral policy.
Having reviewed and critiqued the book, Dr. Mahdavi expressed his points on the significance of this research on policy-making. "Given the characteristic presented in this book, it can be concluded that Afghanistan does not have the capability to maintain a policy of neutrality," said Dr. Mahdavi. He also added, "Although 'neutrality' is not a general concept in international politics and there are limited resources in this filed, the book has explained the concept well."
Janan Mosazai said that Afghanistan's policy of neutrality in the years after the 1940s is understood in an authentic and precise method, and many preceding governments in Afghanistan have maintained their commitment to this foreign policy. He said that Afghanistan has always pursued a policy of neutrality and has remained neutral in disputes between neighboring countries. He added that Afghanistan's neutralization or demilitarization is effective when there is an equal consensus on peace and stability in the region; otherwise it is impossible to further debate about this issue.
According to Dr. Timor Sharan Afghanistan has been under the influence of United States and NATO's foreign policy; likewise, the neighboring countries also regard Afghanistan's foreign policy as that of US and NATO's. "It is time for Afghanistan to change that policy. This book raises many questions in the minds of the readers; such as: Can Afghanistan move towards a policy of neutrality considering its rooted problems of the past forty years? Which powers were involved in Afghanistan's policy of neutrality and under what conditions was the policy of neutrality dissolved and what was its alternative?" said Dr. Sharan.
You can have the hard copy of this book from address and phone number below.
Aazem Publication; 5th Silo Street, Kabul University Road
Phone Number: 079 412 1151