PRESS RELEASE: US Makes "Historic Shift" in Counter-Narcotics Policy in Afghanistan: Move to End Poppy Crop Eradication Hailed as Monumental Step by ICOS

Press Release: ICOS Joins European Action on Drugs (EAD), A New European Commission Initiative on Drug Policy

Emmanuel Reinert, Executive Director of ICOS, participating in the France 24 debate: "Afghanistan: tougher than Iraq".

LONDON, 24 March 2009

This report examines the key dynamics and personalities at play in the run up to the Afghan presidential election, which will determine the future course of Afghanistan. It details some recommendations for the conduct of the election, and possible scenarios that might shape its outcome.

In February 2008, ICOS released a report called Decision Point 2008. This report listed the names of individuals listed by Afghans as potential Presidential candidates and examined the issues facing Afghanistan in the run-up to Presidential election. This report updates that list and reports on key dynamics and issues at play in Afghanistan in the run up to the election.

> Report        > Press Release       

> DOWNLOAD THE REPORT (PDF)

Red Cross National Societies of twenty European countries launch the second phase of the Rome Consensus

The Spanish Red Cross is hosting the Rome Consensus Europe Conference in Madrid from the 26-27th March 2009. The Conference, titled “Rising to the Challenge of Drug Use in Europe”, is an initiative of the Rome Consensus for a Humanitarian Drug Policy, supported by the European Commission and ICOS.

After five regional meetings and a World Congress in Barcelona last year, the Rome Consensus is moving to a new level of action.

> Press Release

> Rome Consensus website

   Attacks in Kabul Fatal attacks in Afghanistan have risen by more than 50% in 2008.

   Taliban at the Gates Kabul is witnessing dire levels of security as the Taliban break through the city's gates.

   Three Doors Shut in Kabul A noticeable increase in suicide attacks has deeply worsened the security situation in Afghanistan.

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LONDON, 8 December 2008

The Taliban now holds a permanent presence in 72% of Afghanistan, up from 54% a year ago. Taliban forces have advanced from their southern heartlands, where they are now the de facto governing power in a number of towns and villages, to Afghanistan's western and north-western provinces, as well as provinces north of Kabul. Within a year, the Taliban's permanent presence in the country has increased by a startling 18%.

Three out of the four main highways into Kabul are now compromised by Taliban activity. The capital city has plummeted to minimum levels of control, with the Taliban and other criminal elements infiltrating the city at will.

> Report        > Press Release        > Maps        > Film

> DOWNLOAD THE REPORT (PDF)

Based in Rio de Janeiro, the Centre of Excellence on Public Security provides innovative research, advocacy and policy analysis to promote pragmatic responses, supporting states to solve public security crises and pave the way for social and economic development.

The Centre facilitates dialogue and innovation on public security between key actors, encouraging a multi-sector approach that incorporates development and social policy with law enforcement strategies. The Centre offers research and consultancy services and works with governments to construct public security policies for the 21st century.

> CEPS

New report maps Kabul map showing the locations of violence and the levels of Taliban-criminal presence

New report maps Areas of Taliban presence in Afghanistan plus fatal violent incidents in 2008

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LONDON, 26 June 2008

ICOS has maintained an operational base in the southern provinces of Afghanistan since 2004. Building upon this foundation, ICOS broadened its examination of other key theatres within the War on Terror, launching a research platform in Somalia – the first outside of Afghanistan – in March 2008. On the ground research in May 2008 a third conflict zone – Iraq – led to this report, and prompted ICOS to consider an alternative approach to global security issues. In this report we offer a Situation Report (SITREP) on Iraq, as well as the initial findings from a series of interviews conducted in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia.

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Licensing poppy cultivation for the production of essential medicines

An integrated counter-narcotics, development, and counter-insurgency model for Afghanistan.

> Poppy for Medicine