Progress and Pitfalls of “Peace-Building”

in Afghanistan continues....

Public confidence in Afghan National Army (ANA) bodes well for the state building process. In contrast, the expressed support for the Afghan National Police (ANP), seen by most commentators as the refuge

of demobilized, corrupt and ill-disciplined private militias, is very puzzling; the level of trust towards NGOs is more evenly divided.

Regionally, NGOs receive their highest endorsement in the South of the

country, 72 percent, compared to Hazarazat and the East). Public support

for the members of Parliament, provincial councils and community development councils is also strong, in contrast to political parties, government courts and local militias.

Yet perception of levels of

corruption are high. Concern over corruption are high- 43 percent of

respondents perceive corruption to be a major problem in their daily life,

a comparable number (40 percent) see it in similar terms in their neighbourhood. The underlying understanding being—Afghans believe corruption is a major problem in general and particularly acute in provincial and national affairs. People also feel that corruption is rising everywhere.

Most Afghan citizens express great confidence in traditional local

institutions to address their grievances, disputes and conflicts. There is a

high-level of confidence in local community structures to resolve

outstanding disputes. The most important being local Shura elders.

Interestingly, those who sought help predominantly turned to elders of

the local Shura (12 percent) or ANP (11 percent). Some elicited the

support of a religious leader (4 percent); a tiny number contact an MP or a

government agent. Consequently, buttressing the capacity, authority and

legitimacy of the state depends on its relations with these traditional social

authorities and implementing the rule of law. One can, therefore say that

formal state institutions strengthen legitimacy only by respecting local

community structures. The need to establish better relations with

traditional social authorities like the local Shura elders is clear.

To be continued....