WAND’s Official Statement on Afghanistan (2011)

Adopted May 2011 by the WAND Education Fund and WAND Inc. national Board of Directors.

Action Steps for U.S. Involvement in Afghanistan

In 2009, Women’s Action for New Directions stated that it could support additional military forces in Afghanistan only if specific action steps and principles were implemented (WAND Statement on Afghanistan 2009).

In May 2011, the leader of al Qaeda, Osama Bin Laden, was killed. July 2011 is the date that the President promised to begin a substantial military draw-down in Afghanistan. Therefore, the WAND Education Fund and WAND, Inc. now urge a transition from war-making to peacebuilding in Afghanistan.

ACTION STEPS

Devise a military exit plan with timelines:

• Stop drone airstrikes and all bombing.
• Limit the use of American forces to providing security for civilians in Afghanistan during a transition period.

Seek to ensure security with Afghanistan forces and an international-led interim security force under United Nations auspices, especially for the 65% majority who are women and girls:

• Provide training for Afghanistan security forces.

Dramatically reallocate war funding to peace-building to strengthen these efforts:

• Rebuild a civil society which respects civil rights, provides for health and welfare, and supports democratic institutions through diplomatic and development surges with women represented in decision-making, diplomacy and providing services;
• Prohibit and penalize corruption at all levels.
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Guiding Principles for U.S. Transition in Afghanistan Involvement

• Further efforts to ensure the rights of the citizens of Afghanistan to live in a country that provides physical safety, life's necessities, and opportunities for education and employment for all, especially women and girls.
• Foster women’s participation in significant numbers and in leadership positions in all reconciliation and peace-making processes.
• Respect the citizens of Afghanistan - listen, consult and collaborate.
• Respond multilaterally and not unilaterally
• Exercise military restraint so that no more innocent lives are lost.