Among the many metaphors for Afghanistan, cross roads in the most commonly used. Now it can additionally be described as the junction point of intellectual and academic endeavour: on war and terrorism; on religion and fundamentalism; on conflict zones and instability; on institution building and State construction. The outpouring of literature by UN agencies and their experts, other international organizations, whether of government or non-government, the media and individuals has been about as diverse as its inability to make a noticeable or enduring impact on the ground.
September 2012, volume 36, No 9