New analysis of the effects of monsoon flooding in Pakistan have revealed that some of the worst affected areas are those which were already home to intense violence and insurgent conflict.
The Pakistani people, who were already displaced by violence and instability, have again seen their livelihoods destroyed by the flooding. In areas such as Malakand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and other Federally Administered Tribal Areas, the fighting already destroyed much of the infrastructure that would have been relied upon for disaster relief. Read more »
During her December 2009 visit to Afghanistan, Lisa Schirch, director of the Ploughshares-funded 3D Security Initiative filmed individuals and organizations working to build bridges across social divides. Her subjects include the Islamic Empowerment Party's Peace Jirga, the Cooperation for Peace and Unity (CPAU), and the Center for Conflict and PeaceStudies (CAPS). The videos explore peacebuilding efforts, such as peaceful ways of addressing conflicts, promoting rule of law, participatory Read more »
The Pakistani army's recent campaigns against militants in the country's northwest has led to the displacement of millions. In this exclusive report, Ploughshares Fund grantee International Crisis Group visits an IDP camp outside Islamabad. Watch the video to see the impact on the ground. Read more »
A new article by the Ploughshares-funded 3D Security Initiative, Quantum Blur, lays out what can be done to bring clarity to the relationship between civilian NGOs and military personnel in conflict regions. The article provides an agenda for civil-military relations to support conflict prevention and peacebuilding. Read more »
Karin von Hippel of the Post-Conflict Reconstruction Project at CSIS is on the ground in Afghanistan, watching as that country's people go to the polls. Read more »
"For millions of the world’s most vulnerable people – refugees and other victims of conflict – Ken was an invaluable source of hope, inspiration and support," wrote Secretary of State Hillary Clinton upon learning of the death this weekend of Kenneth Bacon, president of Refugees International. Read more »
In an evaluation of the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, Patrick Duplat and Kristèle Younès of Refugees International argue that "the lack of funding, the politicization of the humanitarian situation and the lack of adequate information have led to poor humanitarian response and coordination." Their evaluation includes policy recommendations and they conclude, "Desp Read more »
U.S. envoy Richard Holbrooke visited Pakistani refugees who have fled fighting in the Swat region between their country's military and Taliban guerrillas. Ambassador Holbrooke told refugees that the U.S. can't offer security, but it can offer them aid. A new report by the International Crisis Group, a Ploughshares grantee, said the Pakistani government must be prepared to help refugees by devising a blueprint for reconstruction and prioritizing police training in the region. Read more »
by Lisa Schirch
Washington, D.C. - As policymakers in Washington assess the best way forward in Afghanistan, they should heed advice from thousands of Afghan civil society leaders working to improve their country. While divided in their support for a troop surge, Afghan civil society leaders are unanimous in wanting a shift in the US approach to their country. Afghanistan needs a "3D" strategy with a better balance and better divisions of labour between military defense, diplomacy and development. Read more »
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