Revised Role for the UN in Afghanistan: Pragmatic Presence Today; Preparing for Opportunities Tomorrow

Abstract

The UN should renew its political mission in Afghanistan in March 2026 – but with a revised role to avoid unattainable goals of reforming the Taliban regime. The Taliban’s extremist ideological project leaves no immediate prospect of progress for peace or normalised international elations. Nevertheless, UNAMA can pursue useful and attainable objectives today, while preparing to renew ambition to help Afghans attain peace when opportunities open up tomorrow.