Publication

This paper discusses the first round of the 2014 presidential election in Afghanistan, suggesting it was more successful than many anticipated. The author suggests the success can be attributed to outgoing President Karzai, the Afghan Independent Election Commission, the National Security Forces, as well as the voters. The paper also discusses the role of the Taliban in the election and in the future; whether the newly elected president will be able to govern successfully; and ways of ensuring international commitment to Afghanistan.