Situating Workable Response continues...

Thus the objectives of peace-building at the national level lie in

providing security to the citizens (establishing a workable police force and

army besides addressing the non-traditional security threats such as

economic security, community security, health security, food security,

environmental security, political security) by establishing a security

mechanism; promote good governance through key institutional reforms

and societal development and promotion of a common Afghan identity

and national unity to unify divisive elements. The re-creation of political

institutions is a crucial task for maintaining stability in states where civil

wars have destroyed the foundations of both governmental and civic

institutions. In Afghanistan, a movement towards the long-term goals of a

sustainable economy and self-governance can only enhance the prospects

for empowerment and trust building.

Gradually a move towards decentralisation would be welcome in a

heterogenous society like Afghanistan. In a multi-ethnic society, federalism is favoured for various reasons. A political system with division

of power reduces the fear of domination by any one group in an ethnically

diverse nation. Federalist solution can mitigate the appeal of secessionist

movements by legitimizing ethno-regional claims to power. This political

settlement will allow the existence of provincial power centres along with

the centre. Establishing a stable political environment requires a balance

between diffusion of authority among institutions to create adequate

checks and balances without too much fragmentation of central

authority. A “Consociational model” with maximum autonomy to the

various regions could cater to the ethnic and linguistic diversity.

Whenever centralisation has taken place in Afghan history it has been

viewed as a case of repression; in fact, defacto decentralisation has been the

norm and practice in Afghanistan’s political past. Notwithstanding the

importance for maintaining the writ of the state, central authority has to

evolve at local levels. Devolution of power to the local governments and

selection or appointment of regional, provincial and municipal heads

should be done at the respective levels rather than at the Centre.

To be continued....