Evaluation of Afghanistan’s political, economic and cultural situation
By: Center for Strategic & Regional Studies
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In this issue:
- Evaluation of Afghanistan’s political, economic and cultural situation
- Conclusion
- Suggestions
- Reference
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Introduction
In the year 1402 of the Islamic calendar, there have been no significant changes in the domestic policies of the Islamic Emirate; the structure of the government remains undefined, a constitution has not been established, and the political rights of citizens remain ambiguous. However, there have been changes in foreign relations and foreign policy, as the Islamic Emirate has adopted an interactive approach towards regional countries. In 1401, some neighboring countries expressed concerns about Afghanistan’s security situation, resulting in strained relations with the Islamic Emirate. However, in 1402, the Islamic Emirate made efforts to improve these relations and address the security concerns of neighboring countries. Relations with Tajikistan improved compared to the previous year, official diplomatic relations were established with China, and numerous meetings were held with Iran, leading to agreements on bilateral cooperation. India is also in the process of rebuilding its relations with the Islamic Emirate. However, Pakistan remains the only country with which relations have worsened in 1402. In the economic sector, some international restrictions and sanctions continued in 1402. However, there was a 5.7 percent increase in domestic revenue, attributed to the transparent collection of national income, effective budget management, and regular taxation. Several significant economic projects were implemented with authorized domestic revenue this year. The inflation rate decreased, and the Afghan currency maintained its value against foreign currencies. Despite existing limitations in the banking system, there was a notable improvement compared to 1401. Funds deposited in banks after the establishment of the Islamic Emirate could be withdrawn at any time and in any amount. Additionally, withdrawal limits for funds deposited before the establishment of the Islamic Emirate increased. Now, seventy thousand Afghanis can be withdrawn per week, and two hundred fifty thousand Afghanis per month, reflecting an increase compared to the previous year. Considering the relative security in 1402, foreign investment increased. Exports reached $1.811 billion, marking a 6 percent decrease compared to 1401. After gaining power, the Islamic Emirate announced an economy-centered foreign policy, establishing relations with regional and global countries based on this policy. Economic relations with Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan were strengthened, with multiple meetings held with Turkmenistan to restart the TAPI project. Economic exchanges with Iran and China also increased, with Chinese companies willing to invest in Afghanistan. In the field of education, 1402 was still unfavorable for girls, as 1.4 million girls above the sixth grade were not allowed to go to schools. Nearly 84,000 individuals participated in the general entrance exam (Conquer) this year. The National Examination Authority announced that future conquer exams would become specialized, with participants taking exams related to their professions. Changes were made to university curricula, including the increase of Islamic Culture courses and credits. Additionally, school curricula were modified to remove subjects such as civic education, culture, and arts, while increasing hours for Islamic education, the Quran, and computer studies. Regarding Afghanistan’s cultural situation, cultural relations with regional countries were highlighted. The health sector also experienced both achievements and challenges. In summary, this analytical report is divided into three main sections (political-security, economic, and cultural), with each section providing an analysis of related activities. In the year 1402 of the Islamic calendar, there have been no significant changes in the domestic policies of the Islamic Emirate; the structure of the government remains undefined, a constitution has not been established, and the political rights of citizens remain ambiguous. However, there have been changes in foreign relations and foreign policy, as the Islamic Emirate has adopted an interactive approach towards regional countries. In 1401, some neighboring countries expressed concerns about Afghanistan’s security situation, resulting in strained relations with the Islamic Emirate. However, in 1402, the Islamic Emirate made efforts to improve these relations and address the security concerns of neighboring countries. Relations with Tajikistan improved compared to the previous year, official diplomatic relations were established with China, and numerous meetings were held with Iran, leading to agreements on bilateral cooperation. India is also in the process of rebuilding its relations with the Islamic Emirate. However, Pakistan remains the only country with which relations have worsened in 1402. In the economic sector, some international restrictions and sanctions continued in 1402. However, there was a 5.7 percent increase in domestic revenue, attributed to the transparent collection of national income, effective budget management, and regular taxation. Several significant economic projects were implemented with authorized domestic revenue this year. The inflation rate decreased, and the Afghan currency maintained its value against foreign currencies. Despite existing limitations in the banking system, there was a notable improvement compared to 1401. Funds deposited in banks after the establishment of the Islamic Emirate could be withdrawn at any time and in any amount. Additionally, withdrawal limits for funds deposited before the establishment of the Islamic Emirate increased. Now, seventy thousand Afghanis can be withdrawn per week, and two hundred fifty thousand Afghanis per month, reflecting an increase compared to the previous year. Considering the relative security in 1402, foreign investment increased. Exports reached $1.811 billion, marking a 6 percent decrease compared to 1401. After gaining power, the Islamic Emirate announced an economy-centered foreign policy, establishing relations with regional and global countries based on this policy. Economic relations with Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan were strengthened, with multiple meetings held with Turkmenistan to restart the TAPI project. Economic exchanges with Iran and China also increased, with Chinese companies willing to invest in Afghanistan. In the field of education, 1402 was still unfavorable for girls, as 1.4 million girls above the sixth grade were not allowed to go to schools. Nearly 84,000 individuals participated in the general entrance exam (Conquer) this year. The National Examination Authority announced that future conquer exams would become specialized, with participants taking exams related to their professions. Changes were made to university curricula, including the increase of Islamic Culture courses and credits. Additionally, school curricula were modified to remove subjects such as civic education, culture, and arts, while increasing hours for Islamic education, the Quran, and computer studies. Regarding Afghanistan’s cultural situation, cultural relations with regional countries were highlighted. The health sector also experienced both achievements and challenges. In summary, this analytical report is divided into three main sections (political-security, economic, and cultural), with each section providing an analysis of related activities. Conclusion and suggestions In 1402, there was little progress in domestic policy. However, the Islamic Emirate has made efforts to engage in foreign relations, particularly with regional countries, to resolve its issues through interaction. The global and regional countries have three main concerns with the Islamic Emirate: security, inclusive governance, and ideological alignment. Firstly, the international community seeks assurance from the Islamic Emirate that Afghanistan will not be used as a base for threats against other nations. Secondly, they demand the establishment of a government that is acceptable to the people, where all regions see themselves represented. Thirdly, some countries, particularly the United States, want the Islamic Emirate to refrain from using the term “Islamic Emirate” in their governance. So far, the Islamic Emirate has not reached agreements with global and regional countries on these issues. Since the Islamic Emirate regained power in Afghanistan, numerous reports on Afghanistan’s economic situation have been published by external and international bodies. While some predictions were optimistic, most forecasted a bleak and deteriorating economic state. Although poverty remains a serious and critical issue, and unemployment rates are still high, the Islamic Emirate has not yet overcome these major economic challenges. However, as detailed in this report, the economic achievements and efforts by the government to improve the country’s economic situation cannot be overlooked. Compared to the previous government, which was entirely dependent on foreign aid, the Islamic Emirate has managed to increase foreign trade, sign multi-billion dollar economic contracts, and combat administrative and financial corruption by relying more on internal revenues. Most importantly, by adopting an economy-focused foreign policy, it has taken the right steps to navigate through economic crises and move toward economic prosperity. Unfortunately, in 1402, the education sector in Afghanistan did not witness any significant or tangible progress compared to previous years. Several new measures were implemented, but they do not appear to have had any impact on improving the quality of education. Girls above the sixth grade were not allowed to attend school, and no specific policies were introduced to facilitate higher education for girls at universities. Consequently, 1402 was a disappointing year for girls’ education. Despite some media outlets, including television channels, radio stations, newspapers, and websites, shutting down due to financial challenges or government restrictions in 1402, there were also positive developments in the cultural and media landscape. There was a 70 percent reduction in media and journalist rights violations compared to 1401. Additionally, the increase in foreign tourists visiting Afghanistan was a notable positive development. Furthermore, the Islamic Emirate has shut down certain media publications and outlets that were deemed to conflict with Islamic and national values. Recommendations After this analytical report, the following recommendations can be offered to the Islamic Emirate:- Establish a constitution to clarify the type of political system in the country, thereby resolving existing ambiguities.
- To strengthen relations with other countries, accept some reasonable demands such as the education of girls and the establishment of a government that reflects the will of the people.
- The Islamic Emirate should strive to stay out of the competition between major powers and maintain a neutral foreign policy.
- Prioritize gaining official recognition to attract large-scale economic projects and expedite the implementation of significant economic contracts.
- Intensify efforts to combat administrative and financial corruption, as corruption is a major factor in economic decline and the collapse of governance systems.
- Since economic growth and development are contingent on having standard highways and railway lines, the Islamic Emirate should pay more attention and effort in this area.
- Focus on improving the quality of education and implement constructive reforms concerning the working conditions and salaries of teachers.
- Accept media freedom within the framework of Islamic law and grant certain authorities the ability to comment on issues such as exposing corruption in government offices, ensuring relevant officials are informed and can prevent such issues.
- Facilitate the entry of foreign tourists to Afghanistan, especially in the area of historical sites, as this can improve domestic revenue. The Islamic Emirate should allocate a special budget for the protection of these sites and take necessary measures.
- Develop comprehensive and effective programs to control and prevent diseases such as polio, tuberculosis, and Congo fever, and focus more on preventive measures, diagnosis, treatment, and vaccination of children.