In a new PRIO paper, Kai Eide examines the evolution of the relationship between the US and Afghanistan.
For Afghanistan's leadership, Eide argues, the US was increasingly seen as an "obstacle to the re-establishment of Afghan sovereignty', in Washington, it was seen as the "right war that went wrong, largely due to an 'irrational' and 'unpredictable' Afghan President". Eide bases his account on unique access to key actors, and his own experience from a decade of engagement with Afghanistan, as a diplomat and analyst, and as the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General (2008-10). The report offers important insights into the shortcomings of the international engagement in Afghanistan from 2001, and comes very timely as a new leadership is in place in Kabul and the transition to full Afghan leadership is taking place.
