Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
PhD Candidate in Islamic Iranian History, Department of History, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
2
b) Professor, Department of History, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.
3
c) Associate Professor, Department of History, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
10.22034/jgk.2023.410066.1142
Abstract
The present study aims to explain the factors contributing to the achievements and failures of Hamid Karzai's government. According to historical evidence, the Karzai administration was relatively successful in delivering basic services such as security, justice, and welfare. However, despite the support of the international community and assistance from the United States, it failed to establish a system of governance acceptable to the citizens of Afghanistan and the donor countries. Therefore, addressing this issue is crucial for understanding the conditions of governance in Afghanistan. Accordingly, the main research question is: What factors contributed to the achievements and failures of the Karzai government? This study employs a descriptive-analytical method and is based on a systematic review of all available documents and sources. The findings indicate that, during its thirteen-year rule and with the support of the international community, the Karzai government achieved relative progress in the areas of military development, education, human rights, democracy, freedom of expression, women's rights, and infrastructure reconstruction and modernization. However, the lack of a clear policy, weak national unity discourse, interference of regional countries, mismanagement of foreign aid, and the failure to combat administrative corruption were among the main obstacles and reasons for the government’s shortcomings. The overall conclusion of this study suggests that governance in Afghanistan is influenced by a complex set of internal and external factors, and success in this area requires a comprehensive approach that considers all variables and conditions, both domestic and international.
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