Vienna, Austria – On June 26, 2024, UPF-Austria organized a lecture and discussion evening on the topic “Perspectives on Afghanistan's Journey for Peace.”
The keynote speaker was Mr. Shahmahmood Miakhel, former director of the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) in Afghanistan, former governor of the province of Nangarhar, and former deputy defense minister of Afghanistan.
The objective of the talk was to examine comprehensive and feasible perspectives for peace in Afghanistan, considering scenarios both with and without the Taliban. Can peace be achieved without the Taliban? If so, what are the pathways to peace in Afghanistan? If not, what are the reasons?
Mr. Miakhel presented divergent viewpoints and challenged assumptions on peace-related issues. He provided an in-depth analysis of the roles of the Taliban and anti-Taliban groups, including participants in the Vienna conference, in the peace process, acknowledging the complexities and nuances involved. Additionally, he offered insights into the political landscape and alternative approaches to achieving peace, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity, human rights, and democratic principles.
