9 Prospects of inclusive peace, perception of players and stakes involved in post-9/11 Afghanistan

This chapter focuses on post-9/11 Afghanistan, where there are no apparent Cold War era dynamics and associated conflict paradigms; however, the instability in the war-ravaged strategic region, its ramifications and the efforts of national, regional and international players to foster peace and stability in the region are crucial for study from a conflict and peace perspective. The location of the region as a crossroad of cultures and civilisations, as well as the resources and interests of players, have enhanced the importance of the region as a crucible for international peace and security. While the earlier conflicts in the region, whether during the Cold War or pre-Cold War eras, were mostly confined to empires, such as the British or Russian empires, or between the forces of ideology or internecine rivalry, post-9/11 circumstances present a scenario which has global ramifications. The task of international forces that are mandated to establish stability and order in Afghanistan and craft peace in a new cooperative framework without radicalism, remains arduous.