Despite Afghanistan’s prominent rural life, history underlines the importance of urban politics in bringing about change. Though rural dynamics cannot be ignored, there is increasing evidence suggesting towards the significance of urban politics and political economy factors during and beyond the transition period. Among these are the recent urbanization trend, the establishment of numerous migrant and IDP settlements in urban vicinities, the youth bulge being more evident in major urban centers and the concentration of political, social and financial elite in the urban centers leading to a concentration of employment and livelihood opportunities and their beneficiaries in the urban centers.

Kabul, as the capital city, with a concentration of major players of media, civil society, private sector, international community and government actors, nearly six million population and by far largest Municipal Administration is a city of national significance. Yet, this city’s complex structure, social fabric and human relations in all spheres of life do not get reflected in the policy making. Duran, being cognizant of this gap, contributed to enhancing our knowledge of this complex and rapidly changing city.

With the aim to ascertain and understand “stylized facts” about the political economy of Kabul, Duran has examined trends and laid out key issues faced currently and in coming years, assessed implications at the local (Kabul) and national levels, and highlighted questions for further research and put forward possible policy options.