Afghanistan Policy Page

A twice-weekly, one-page brief on a major issue concerning US policy and engagement in Afghanistan.

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Development Issues

26 January 2010

Key Issues

• Fostering Afghan Capacity and Ownership – Building capacity and linking Kabul with Afghan provinces is a fundamental component of development aid. More…

• Planning and Coordination: Afghanistan receives the majority of its budget from international donors whose funding cycles may not align with the Afghan fiscal year. More…¬

• ‘Militarization’ of Development – As a result of greater insecurity on-the-ground, the military has begun to engage in development activities. More…

• ‘Brain Drain’ Effect – Many educated Afghans find it more profitable to take menial jobs for international organizations. More…

Top Key Facts

• Afghanistan’s annual budget, fiscal year 2008-2009:

Core budget: $2.6 billion (under Afghan government direct control)

External budget: $4.8 billion (little or no Afghan government control)

• Foreign aid accounts for 40% of legal GDP.

• More in full version…

Possible Questions

• What is being done to coordinate development activities between civilian and military actors? Is it possible to make multi-year commitments to allow for more predictable budgetary planning?

• More in full version…

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