Part II: Analysis of Recommendations

(10 minutes reading, 15 minutes discussion, 15 minutes small group discussion, 20 minutes presentation and large group discussion)

Read “An Open Letter from Transparency International to the Participants of the London Conference on Afghanistan on 28 January 2010.”

http://www.transparency.org/news_room/latest_news/press_releases/2010/2010_2601_afghan_open_letter_hlb

Step 1: Discuss as a group:

1. According to Transparency International, what are the three biggest concerns for Afghan people?

2. What does the letter urge the international community to do?

3. What are the ways that the letter says international community can assist in creating a culture in the public sector that respects integrity, transparency, and accountability?

Step 2: Divide into small groups, with each small group taking on one of the  recommendations. (These recommendations are answers to question 3 in Step 1.)

1. For each of its recommendations, brainstorm the following:

a. What would this accomplish?

b. Who must be involved?

c. How will those who are involved work together? Who should be in charge?

d. Do you think it is easy or difficult for these steps to be taken? Why?

e. Make your own prediction. Describe one possible scenario for peace in Afghanistan.

2. After the small group discussion, each small group presents its ideas to the bigger group.

Extension Activity

• Ask the group if they have any other recommendations for building stability and fighting corruption in Afghanistan that have not been recommended in the letter. In small groups or individually, come up with solutions that are not in the letter. For each solution, answer the questions in Step 2, question 1.

• In small groups or individually, research further one of the recommendations discussed in Step 2. Find out what has been done, who has been involved, what has worked, and what has failed or been difficult. Analyze the situation in Afghanistan in regard to that specific effort and what and how outsiders must work to build stability in Afghanistan. Share your findings and opinion by writing an op-ed for the local newspaper or the school paper.