CMI researchers contribute to major review of Norway’s engagement in Afghanistan
On Thursday 6 November, the Norwegian government received the final report from the Afghanistan Commission, which has evaluated Norway’s overall efforts in Afghanistan from 2015 to 2021.
CMI researchers Torunn Wimpelmann and Arne Strand were members of the commission, which was tasked with assessing Norway’s political dialogue, military contributions, and civilian aid in Afghanistan. The commission also examined the evacuation from Kabul in August 2021 and drew lessons for future Norwegian contributions to international operations, peace diplomacy, crisis preparedness, and support for personnel and local partners in conflict zones.
The report was handed over by the commission’s chair, Bjørn Tore Godal, to Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide and Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik at a public event in Oslo.
Link to the recording of the event.
Following the handover, Wimpelmann moderated a panel discussion with key stakeholders, including members of the commission and representatives from the Norwegian government. The event marked the culmination of a year-long process of reflection and analysis.
The commission’s work builds on the previous Afghanistan review (NOU 2016:8), which covered the period 2001–2014.
