Progress
In Afghanistan as the first free democratic elections were held to form the legislative branch. The 50% voter turnout was significantly lower than the presidential elections held last month where turnout was estimated at 70%.
The question remains. Can the central government of Afghanistan survive without the United States' military to prop it up? There is plenty of reason to worry. A weak and fractured government has been the norm throughout Afghanistan's history. Rulers from Kabul historically have had only limited authority in the outlying towns and villages. The geography of Afghanistan dominated by mountains makes unified rule difficult. Its a hell of a lot easier to rule in flat Iowa than rocky Badakhshan.
The challenge of asserting rule over this country has vexed many world powers, most of whom did not succeed. The United States shakey first steps in governance have been successful. The country has not plunged into chaos, the Taliban have not returned to power, and Pakistani influence has been minimal. Many problems remain. Osama bin Laden is still at large, and the central government in Kabul is not strong enough to exert influence on the seemingly autonomous townships in the countryside. The United States must solve these problems before it withdraws. Afghanistan will not turn into a vibrant democracy within the next five years, but it must continue to take steps in that direction. Only when a strong and stable Afghan government emerges in Kabul can the United States leave. We cannot cut and run.
The question remains. Can the central government of Afghanistan survive without the United States' military to prop it up? There is plenty of reason to worry. A weak and fractured government has been the norm throughout Afghanistan's history. Rulers from Kabul historically have had only limited authority in the outlying towns and villages. The geography of Afghanistan dominated by mountains makes unified rule difficult. Its a hell of a lot easier to rule in flat Iowa than rocky Badakhshan.
The challenge of asserting rule over this country has vexed many world powers, most of whom did not succeed. The United States shakey first steps in governance have been successful. The country has not plunged into chaos, the Taliban have not returned to power, and Pakistani influence has been minimal. Many problems remain. Osama bin Laden is still at large, and the central government in Kabul is not strong enough to exert influence on the seemingly autonomous townships in the countryside. The United States must solve these problems before it withdraws. Afghanistan will not turn into a vibrant democracy within the next five years, but it must continue to take steps in that direction. Only when a strong and stable Afghan government emerges in Kabul can the United States leave. We cannot cut and run.
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