"Culture of peace" or "culture of war"? War crimes and resurgent violence in Afghanistan

The latest outbreaks of violence in Afghanistan corroborate a phenomenon which has frequently been observed in other post-war countries. It seems that one of the reasons why post-war countries experience a resurgence of conflict after a relatively peaceful transitional phase is that they have failed to come to terms with their war-torn past. Supported by the United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU), has begun to develop its own approach to dealing with its past. However, this process is meeting resistance from influential warlords who are important for President Karzai's government and who fear having to face charges. As an added complication, lacks certain fundamental structures which are needed for the process. For example, the judicial sector would need to be reformed and frameworks developed for due criminal procedures. However, Afghanistan will have to deal with its war experiences in one way or another if it wants to escape the spiral of violence which also represents a threat to the troops of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). (SWP Comments / SWP)