Afghanistan, the forgotten project

A proposal to re-direct the poppy crops into a more legitimate form of product: codeine and morphine, two drugs that are demanded worldwide, is a possibility.  As a caveat, there needs to be ultra-tight control of how the poppies are used, an option that is not possible considering the other problems facing Afghanistan.  On the other hand, the opium production is increasingly linked with the revitalized insurgency and if the nation can provide a viable alternative selling market for poppy farmers than the Taliban, it could become a way to help Afghanistan’s economy and fight the insurgency without forcing the farmers to start all over again.  The poppy trade has a worldwide reach and only a worldwide endeavor will solve this problem and all of the other problems as well.

Only a coordinated effort by the international community will rebuild Afghanistan.  In January 2006, Londonhosted an international conference where countries reiterated their support and pledged more aid to Afghanistan.  Top delegates from leading countries around the world, such as Secretary of State Condeleeza Rice and British Prime Minister Tony Blair congratulated the country on the progress it has made, but also recognized the need to do more.  Rice said that the United States as well as Afghanistan“paid [for the mistake of the Soviet Unionabandoning Afghanistan]…we’re not going to make that mistake again.”^[lxiv]

The Afghanistan Compact, as it is now known targets 3 areas: security, governance, rule of law, human rights and economic and social development. ^[lxv]  The Compact aims by the end of 2007 to eliminate all illegal armed groups and destroy all stockpiled anti-personnel mines.  By 2010, goals include reducing areas affected by land mines and explosives by 70%, having a quality 70,000 national army and a functioning branch of justice in every province.^[lxvi]  These principles and goals are lofty and require a committed international presence to accomplish.  In order to do so, President Bush must maintain his resolve and commit toAfghanistan the necessary components that will complete a successful nation.

Not only does the United States, but its NATO allies must remain steadfastly committed to this endeavor.  The unwillingness of countries to contribute troops necessary to ensure Afghanistan’s internal security has led to President Karzai presenting makeshift plans to rearm civilians to improve conditions.  These ideas are a disaster and will only bring further chaos to the region.  History has shown that this plan would be doomed to disaster.  In the 1970s, the government dispatched militias to fight the mujahideen, which only lead to further chaos.

However, Karzai may have been pressured into suggesting this solution, since there seemingly are no other alternative.  Thus, it is imperative that countries must recognize the need to improve the security situation now, before it deteriorates even further.  Half-measures are not going to accomplish the mission and will only delay the inevitable.  Leaders must have the backbone to confront their anti-war constituents and do the right thing, even if it is unpopular.

A close and amicable relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan is needed for a stable future of the region.  The two nations sharing a long border that has been the site of many insurgent attacks have often accused each other of not providing enough security.  The verbal spats have prevented a deeper bond to be built, a prerequisite to securing the border.  Pakistani Foreign Minister Khursheed Kasuri lashed out in a June 2006 news conference with Secretary Rice against Afghan accusations that Pakistan was not doing enough.  He challenged Kabul to support their claims and asked how a destabilized Afghanistan would be in Islamabad’s best interests.  President Musharraf had already rejected most of the intelligence that Karzai had sent him, calling it “months old and…nothing.”^[lxvii]

Musharraf has recently accepted an invitation from Karzai to visit in an attempt to thaw relations.  This step is a sign of the needed progress for Kabul and Islamabad to coordinate a common strategy and work from their agreements, rather than their disputes.  Pakistan has also recently touted the capture of 29 Taliban members found in a hospital in the southwestern region of the country as a sign of proof that they were actively doing its part to secure the border.^[lxviii] The two nations can attempt to de-emphasize the conservative Islamist elements in both countries and isolate the extremism.  It is a risky proposition, inclined to explode at any given time, but a necessary one.