Evolution of a Dual Negotiation Process: Afghanistan

Abstract

The negotiations in Afghanistan following the introduction of Soviet troops during a military coup in 1978 were pursued along two tracks. The first consisted of sporadic negotiations between the Soviet-supported Afghan government and several mujahidin resistance groups. To date, these talks have not reached fruition. The second track consisted of negotiations officially conducted between Pakistan and Afghanistan, but in reality between the United States and the Soviet Union over the withdrawal of Soviet troops. The negotiations were conducted in Geneva and in the region over a seven-year period under U.N. mediation. The result was the Geneva Accord of 14 April 1988; the agreement provided for the withdrawal of Soviet troops and the termination of arms supplies by the United States and the Soviet Union, which was dependent upon both sides' observation. The success in the international negotiations can be attributed to the existence of a ripe moment and the skill of the U.N. mediation, neither of which elements are present in the internal negotiations.