Making the most of Afghanistan’s river basins: opportunities for regional cooperation

This paper reflects the discussions at a number of public seminars and private meetings held by EastWest Institute during 2009 on water cooperation in Afghanistan and its region. The consultations were clear that the regional nature and importance of water cooperation is fully recognized by all stakeholders. However, differences in capacity, combined with contextual issues such as historic mistrust and competing regional security priorities, have kept stakeholders from engaging in a process of dialogue on water cooperation. This paper outlines current challenges to effective and sustainable cross-border cooperation on water and makes recommendations to overcome them.