12/16/2009 

From Identity Crisis to Identity in Crisis in Afghanistan 

Zaman Stanizai

In this Policy Brief, the author traces the evolution of Afghanistan’s “identity crisis” from its origins during the Soviet occupation to its present day manifestations. The roles and histories of Afghanistan’s diverse ethnic communities in this crisis are described, and linkages made between these groups and the outside states, communities, and actors who shared or opposed their interests. Recommendations for transcending this recent history of crisis and division are offered.

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