Second day of the 12th Herat Security Dialogue
On the second day of the 12th round of the Herat Security Dialogue, held on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, in Madrid, Spain, discussions focussed on Afghanistan’s political, social, and cultural future.
The first day of the conference had examined Afghanistan’s security trajectory, the threats posed by terrorist groups, and the role of regional and global actors in the country’s ongoing crisis. Under the banner of "Afghanistan: The Resurrection of Hope, A Shared Endeavor," the gathering brought together experts, policymakers, diplomats, human rights advocates, and representatives of political movements, delving into the country’s deepening political and social crises.
In a special session, John Sopko, former U.S. Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, stated that the military equipment and weaponry left behind by the United States held no real value for retrieval. Sopko stated that over the past two decades, a large amount of weaponry had been supplied to Afghan forces, much of which has either been destroyed or fallen into disrepair.
Later, in Nowruzistan Panel, the discussion turned to “Nowruzistan: A Multifaceted Identity and Civilizational Unity.” Ambassador Wahidullah Waissi remarked: "Afghanistan shares deep cultural, musical, and even familial ties with its six neighbors. Without governments in the way, people live in harmony, exchange traditions, and coexist peacefully. The real divide isn’t among the people—it’s the politics." The panelists explored the significance of Nowruzistan and the cultural values embedded within its historical identity.
The final panel of the conference addressed "Constitutional Process: Rule of Law and Inclusive Government." Mohammad Amin Karim underscored Afghanistan’s reliance on foreign assistance, warning that without international financial support, the country would face mass starvation. "I only hope this year does not bring drought," he said. "Half of Afghanistan’s population depends on agriculture." Karim described the situation as catastrophic.
Each speaker articulated their concerns, and the conference concluded with a note of thanks by Dr. Davood Moradian, Director-General of the Afghan Institute for Strategic Studies.
Note: The full report of the conference will soon be available on the AISS’' website.