Dubai, December (IRIN*) – Soldiers from the International Security and Assistance Force (ISAF) may be leaving Afghanistan in the coming two years, but humanitarian needs are not going to disappear any time soon and neither will the Taliban.
Photo: Abdullah Shaheen/IRIN. Engage with the Taliban, a new report tells aid workers
The coming power shift is likely to add to a trend that is already a reality for aid workers – more frequent dealings with the Taliban.
A report published today by the Overseas Development Institute highlights the challenges for aid workers needing to engage with Taliban fighters, members of an organization classed as a terrorist group by several Western countries.
“Aid agencies’ access to negotiations with the Taliban will be critical after 2014. Establishing effective engagement policies is fundamental to reaching all Afghans in need,” said Ashley Jackson, co-author of the report.
