Securing Afghanistan's Future: 9/11 a Year On: October/December 2002 Issue: Peace Watch: U.S. Institute of Peace

Security is the top priority. A panel on "Afghanistan and the Future of Post-Conflict Reconstruction" at the Institute's "9/11 a Year On" conference agreed that rehabilitation will not move forward without basic security. Proving the point, a foiled attack on Afghan president Hamid Karzai and two bomb blasts rocked Kabul that same day.

Richard Kauzlarich, director of the Institute's Special Initiative on the Muslim World, moderated the panel, which included Barnett Rubin, New York University, Michael Sheehan, UN assistant secretary general, and Zalmay Khalilzad, U.S. special envoy to Afghanistan.

Rubin began by categorizing Afghanistan not as a post-conflict state but rather as one of "disorder and violence." He pointed to three key issues that hinder Afghan-istan's recovery: breakdown of order, lack of policing, and a void of security. Rubin also provided reasons for optimism, notably the return of refugees, the establishment of a government in Kabul, an emerging media, good relations with neighboring states, and the United States' pledge to continue to support the international security assistance force (ISAF) and consider its expansion beyond the capital.

"A swamp of terrorism" is how Sheehan described Afghanistan. He cited several conditions leading to this status before September 2001. Afghanistan is geographically isolated, without adequate communication systems and a central authority. The Taliban welcomed and supported al Qaeda, allowing them to operate with impunity. Sheehan, in agreement with Rubin, emphasized the importance of security, noting that the assistance mission will remain a step behind in the reconstruction process until security is established.

The United States' three main goals in Afghanistan, according to Khalilzad, were to root out al Qaeda, remove the Taliban from power, and ensure that conditions fostering terrorism do not resume. He noted that these objectives had been largely accomplished in addition to providing an opening for the people of Afghanistan to participate in government.

Khalilzad is concerned that the complicated process of moving from total instability to transitional government, Loya Jirga, and election of a new government has gone too quickly. On the other hand, he is frustrated by the slow pace of improving economic conditions, establishing an indigenous police force, and building a functioning judicial system. He called for the international community to come through on the aid promises made in Tokyo.

In addition to the vital issues of security and rebuilding Afghan forces and institutions, Khalilzad noted two key areas to be addressed: isolation and capacity. To respond to isolation, trade and economic development between Afghanistan and other countries in the region require improvement. Direct financial assistance to the central government is necessary to build the capacity of the new government. He also said we need to diligently pursue the remnants of al Qaeda.

Finally, Khalilzad focused on the political track that Afghanistan is currently taking. He is encouraged that the Bonn Agreement and transitional government were successful. He cautioned that the United States must remain committed in the long-term to seeing success in Afghanistan. "The success of Afghanistan is the success of the United States."

Moderator Richard Kauzlarich, Zalmay Khalilzad, Barnett Rubin, and Michael Sheehan (left to right) answer questions regarding "Afghanistan and the Future of Post-Conflict Reconstruction."