Theo Sitther writes about the conflict in Afghanistan in his latest article for Third Way Cafe:
Following the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, the U.S. invaded Afghanistan to oust the Taliban government, root out al-Qaeda, set up a democratic government and build up the country. Seven years later a guerilla war continues. Much of the country remains in poverty, with a weak central government in place and a booming opium trade making Afghanistan the number one poppy producer in the world. Military operations are now coordinated under the NATO umbrella, millions of dollars in aid have flowed into the country with little results and violence against civilians and foreign aid workers has steadily risen.
U.S. strategy in Afghanistan over the last seven years has primarily focused on military objectives, while the approach that’s necessary for a stable nation is one that supports the needs of ordinary Afghan citizens. Lisa Schirch, professor at Eastern Mennonite University and the director of the 3D Security Initiative, recently stated in an article that “expensive, short term solutions, such as the proposed additional 20,000 troops, might help quell violence in the short term. But without more promising policy options – such as a diplomatic and development surge … a troop surge won’t build a foundation for Afghanistan’s future.”
Secretary Clinton’s statement that diplomacy and development are essential tools in order to achieve the long term goals of the United States is a welcome change. We can achieve peace in Afghanistan but policymakers must work to refocus U.S. strategy from an imbalanced military one to one that prioritizes peace, development and diplomacy.
The full article is available at thirdway.com.
