Let's not forget Afghanistan

アフガニスタンを忘れるな

Afghanistan has come a long way since the Taliban was run out of Kabul by a U.S.-led, U.N.-sanctioned invasion force. The country has drafted a constitution and will hold a Loya Jirga, or meeting of tribal leaders, to debate the document next month. Key ministries have been reformed, and human rights, especially those of women, are being respected. Basic laws have been drafted that will help restore a legal framework for a civil society. In short, the foundations of a genuine democracy are emerging. A most promising sign is the return of some 3 million refugees, whose decision to go home is a powerful vote of confidence.

These achievements will not last without fundamental progress in other fields. The most pressing threat is the factionalism that continues to thwart central government efforts to assert control over the country. Warlords hold sway over significant parts of Afghanistan, where they operate with virtual impunity, committing acts of extortion, violence and terror, and preventing the consolidation of national authority. The number of serious human rights violations has more than doubled in the last year as local groups feel more confident and ready to challenge the central government.

More disturbing is the return of the Taliban, the militant Islamic government that was forced from power for supporting al-Qaeda and Osama bin Laden. Having fled to Pakistan, the Taliban has reformed and is operating in six border provinces. It is launching dozens of attacks against foreigners.

According to a recent report to the U.N. Security Council, the product of a 15-member visit to the country in October, the lack of security in Afghanistan is hindering the peace process. It is a challenge to the U.N. agreement and the political order that followed the collapse of the Taliban regime.

Among other problems, the lack of assistance has prompted farmers to resort to old habits, such as the cultivation of opium. Last year, Afghanistan produced 76 percent of the world's opium, up from 12 percent in 2001, and the situation is likely to get worse. The U.N. report concluded that the narcotics economy is largely unchecked and threatens to dwarf the legal economy. The International Monetary Fund warns that "a dangerous potential exists for Afghanistan to progressively slide into a 'narco-state.' "

There are no easy solutions to Afghanistan's ills. But it is easy to identify what must be done. First, U.N. peacekeeping forces need to expand their operations outside Kabul. Only they have the ability to challenge the warlords and check the spread of the Taliban. In addition, there must be more progress in disarming militias. Thus far, some 1,200 fighters have turned over their weapons, but they are not in the most violent parts of the country. At the same time, foreign governments must stop paying warlords. While such support may temporarily buy loyalty in the fight against terrorists, it undermines President Hamid Karzai's authority.

Second, donor governments should convene another conference to rally support for Afghanistan. Japan helped chair the first meeting, and it could use that experience in a second meeting. Priority items should be support for police and law enforcement as well as replacement crops for farmers to dissuade them from growing opium.

Finally, the international community should take every effort to voice its support for Mr. Karzai's government and the democratization of Afghanistan. The road map for progress exists. The constitutional Loya Jirga will take place next month and presidential elections are to be held in June. History has made plain the price of failure to support the Afghans in this endeavor.

The Japan Times Weekly
Nov. 29, 2003
(C) All rights reserved

      重大な問題は、イラク情勢の激変が国際社会のアフガニスタンに対する復興援助に影を投げかけていることだ。

      タリバンは国連が承認した連合軍進攻によりアフガニンスタンから追放された。ロヤ・ジルガ（国民大会議）は来月憲法草案について論議する。主要官庁は改革され、人権、特に女性の権利が尊重されるようになった。重要法案もでき、民主体制の土台が見えてきた。約300万人の避難民も外国から帰国した。

      しかし、軍閥が各地で今も大きな影響力を持ち、暴力、テロ行為が横行し、人権侵害もこの1年間で倍増している。

      パキスタンに逃亡したタリバン勢力は国境地区に再結集して、外国軍に対し攻撃を加えている。

      国連アフガニスタン調査団の報告書によれば、国内の治安悪化が和平プロセスを妨げている。また援助不足のため、資金を求めてアヘン生産が増加しているといわれる。昨年、アフガニスタンは世界のアヘン生産量の76%（2001年は12%）を占めた。

      国家再建を進めるために、国連平和維持軍はカブール以遠の地域に展開して軍閥、タリバンを取り締まり、民兵の武装解除を進めなければならない。

      さらに、復興援助国の第2回会議を開催するべきだ。第1回会議を主催した日本はその経験を第2回会議で生かすべきだ。主要議題は、警察や法執行機関の強化、アヘン原料の代替作物の導入などになるだろう。

      来月のロヤジルガ開催後、大統領選挙が来年6月に行われる。アフガニスタンの民主化を国際社会が支持せねばどうなるかは歴史が示している。