Impact or Illusion? Reintegration under the Afghanistan Peace and Reintegration Program

Summary: The Afghan Peace and Reintegration Program (APRP) aims to reintegrate insurgents in return for security, jobs and other incentives, but has seen limited results. Rapid implementation of the program has failed to address adequately a variety of political, employment and security concerns. As a result, reintegrees of varying backgrounds are joining the Afghan Local Police, potentially perpetuating instability. Without a political approach addressing drivers of the insurgency and higher-level reconciliation, reintegration will see limited results. The government and its partners should concentrate on how to make reintegration part of a broader political process.