Progress and Pitfalls of “Peace-Building”

in Afghanistan continues.....

Some draw a distinction between post-conflict peace-building and long-term peace-building. Post-conflict peace-building is connected to peacekeeping, and often involves demobilization and reintegration programs, as well as immediate reconstruction needs. Meeting immediate needs and handling crises is no doubt crucial. But while peacemaking and

peacekeeping processes are important parts of peace transitions, they are

not enough in themselves to meet long-term needs and build a lasting

peace. Long-term peace-building techniques are designed to fill this gap,

and to address the underlying substantive issues that brought about conflict. Various transformation techniques aim to move parties away from confrontation and violence, and guide them towards political and economic participation, peaceful relationships, and social harmony.



Peace-building is a process comprising various structures and their functions. It often entails a wide range of sequential activities, proceeding from cease-fire and refugee-resettlement to the establishment of a new government and economic reconstruction. Ideally, activities involved in rebuilding war-torn societies are designed to enhance public security, generate economic recovery, facilitate social healing, and promote democratic institutions. Peace-building in post-settlement phase entails both short-term and long-term frameworks. In the aftermath of a negotiated agreement, the management of humanitarian crisis situations changes to become assistance in social and economic rehabilitation.

Short-term management plans are based on intense negotiations to diffuse volatile situations and respond to the immediate needs of returning refuges and other marginalized groups. In the absence of local administrative structures, essential government functions are restored by international administrators or peace-keeping forces.

To be continued...