AFGHANS IN TRANSITION

The U.S. and its NATO allies are planning to start leaving Afghanistan in 2014. Therefore, they would have to turn all the responsibility of the country’s security to the Afghan government. The strategy that the U.S. will follow in order to reach that goal is based on “fight, talk and build”.

A recent survey taken by a varied number of Afghans (from rural areas and urban areas, different ages, etc.), directed by The Asia Foundation, has provided some interesting answers. In this survey they identify the main problem to be right now insecurity, but they believe in the improvement of the Afghan Army and Afghan National Police. They also support their government’s efforts in trying to negotiate and talk with the Taliban and other armed opposition groups. The Afghan people are also aware of the development and reconstructions projects. They see progress in the quality of their lives, appreciate the services they receive from their government, and continue to support equal rights regardless of gender, ethnicity or religion. Furthermore a big percent support educational opportunities for women.

I think that the view of the Afghan people and their support is essential for the progress of the country. However, it is worrying that despite a lot of people are saying that the country is moving in the right direction, those saying the country is moving in the wrong direction have increased by 8 percent over the past year. We should hope that none of these advances will be lost in the current Afghan transition.

Source: The New York Times