Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit Issues Paper Series Strategic Coordination about the Author Executive Summary

Public opinion is shaped by concrete manifestations. If the general discussions are not connected to changes in the daily lives and experiences of the people, public opinion could easily turn skeptical. Afghans have been disappointed by the international community before. Hope could then be replaced by frustration, and frustration, in a context of raised expectations, is a recipe for anger, discord and finally conflict. For us to capitalise on the current consensus, then, we must deliver, and deliver soon; as words become deeds, belief in the possibility of a safe and prosperous future will grow. Delivering rapidly, however, does not mean delivering unwisely. We must internalise the lessons of 50 years of experience of international assistance. Afghanistan offers a unique opportunity to prove to the skeptics that the aid system is relevant in a post-conflict context, and that difficult challenges can be met with determination, partnership and vision. Five lessons stand out: • First, the developmental agenda must be owned domestically, and the recipient country must be in the driver’s