Our Approach

How We Work

ACF combines research, policy analysis, occasional open-source intelligence reporting, consultation, dialogue and policy advocacy. We use these methods to examine practical questions, develop credible policy options and build support for the commitments set out in the Covenant.

Our work focuses on evidence, political realities and achievable outcomes.

Research and Policy Analysis

We study Afghanistan’s political, security, economic, humanitarian and human rights conditions. We also examine the regional and international forces that shape developments inside the country.

Our analysis connects immediate events to longer-term questions: how Afghans can establish a minimum national consensus, how political competition can move away from violence, and how a durable Afghan–U.S. strategic relationship can support an Afghan-led political commitment.

We aim to offer practical policy choices, not commentary alone.

Occasional OSINT Reporting

ACF may publish open-source intelligence reporting on terrorism, political violence, armed resistance and other developments directly relevant to our work.

We assess information from multiple credible public sources, examine competing explanations and distinguish established facts from analytical judgments and unresolved claims. When reliable information is limited, we state the uncertainty clearly.

ACF is not a news organization, a continuous monitoring service or an operational intelligence organization. We publish OSINT reporting selectively, when it can clarify an important development or contribute to better policy.

Consultations and Dialogue

ACF consults Afghan political figures, civil society representatives, community elders, religious scholars, members of the business community, experts and other key interlocutors. We also engage American policymakers, researchers and institutions, as well as regional and international actors whose policies affect Afghanistan.

We pay particular attention to Afghans whose voices are too often unheard—especially women, young people, displaced communities and those outside established political networks.

These consultations help us test assumptions, identify disagreements and explore areas of possible convergence. Participation in a consultation does not imply endorsement by ACF or agreement among those involved.

Dialogue is not an end in itself. It should help clarify choices, narrow differences and support credible political commitments.

Policy Development

ACF turns research, analysis and consultation into policy papers, strategic assessments and practical recommendations.

Our work may include frameworks for an Afghan national covenant, proposals for a renewed Afghan–U.S. strategic relationship, and analysis of the transitional steps and obstacles involved in reaching those objectives.

We assess proposals against political realities, institutional capacity, human rights obligations and their likely consequences for Afghanistan’s long-term stability.

Policy Advocacy and Engagement

ACF uses its findings to make a clear, evidence-based case for its policy objectives. We do this through published analysis, briefings, meetings, consultations and direct engagement.

Our primary policy audience is the United States. Afghan political and civic audiences are also central to our work because no external relationship can substitute for a credible commitment among Afghans themselves. We engage regional and international audiences where their decisions directly affect Afghanistan.

Our advocacy is independent. It does not serve a political party, armed group, government or foreign power.

Standards That Guide Our Work

We are guided by accuracy, source verification, intellectual independence and transparency about uncertainty. We distinguish facts from analysis and analysis from advocacy.

We address armed resistance as a political and security reality requiring serious analysis. We neither advocate war nor treat armed action as a substitute for a credible political settlement. We reject terrorism, attacks on civilians and political violence as a means of imposing power.

Across all our work, we uphold equal rights, human dignity and the fundamental rights of Afghan women and girls. We judge policies by whether they can contribute to a stable, sovereign and functioning Afghanistan governed through legitimate institutions rather than force.

Independent Analysis.
Practical Dialogue.

ACF advances evidence-based analysis and fosters constructive dialogue on Afghanistan’s political future.

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