New Survey Release: What Do Afghans Think About Current Peace and Reconciliation Efforts?

Afghanistan is witnessing stepped-up efforts to promote peace and reconciliation. These include U.S. talks with the Taliban, an intra-Afghan dialogue with the Taliban, and a planned large gathering of Afghan politicians and other leaders to discuss potential paths toward peace. But what do Afghans really think about these efforts? This event marks the release of a new online survey gauging public opinion on negotiations, ceasefires, the viability of a durable peace, and preferred political systems, among other issues. The survey, conducted by a group of experts focused on gender equality and women’s empowerment in Afghanistan, aims to give Afghans feeling excluded from the reconciliation process an opportunity to express their views. Fazel Rahim, who oversaw the survey, will highlight the survey’s key findings. An expert panel will then discuss broader prospects for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. The survey was designed, administered, and conducted by people working in their individual capaci