Progress and Pitfalls of “Peace-Building”

in Afghanistan continues....

In many ways the environment of 2008 is different from that of

2001-02 when there was much optimism and large expectations from the

new Interim government of Karzai. Much of this optimism now seems to

have been dissipated to a large extent and the cause of frustration seems to

be the alleged slow pace of economic and social development, poor

government performance and widespread unemployment.

84 It is still too

early to know whether the Parliament and Provincial assemblies will be

perceived as providing a voice to the people or simply as ineffective and

‘self-serving institutions’. While there has been improved ministerial and

administrative capacity and performance in some cases, continuing weak

capacity, particularly of the judiciary, reduces the legitimacy of the state.

85

This has also been a factor in weakening the states’ ability to set and

implement policies. This increasing frustration over unfulfilled

expectations is also reflected in the rising level of disillusionment with the

international community. Apart from the absence of quick results from

the assistance money that was allocated to reconstruction, imported ideas

with a perceived lack of respect for Afghan culture and traditions and

ostensible lavish lifestyles of reconstruction workers have become sore

points. There is a perception that much of the aid money has been wasted

and fed by opportunistic politicians and officials.

There is no doubt that the effort at peace-building in Afghanistan is a

challenging task. Further, it is proving to be partial and lopsided. Projects

of establishing new governments as well as social reconstruction have been

driven by the demand to create a local political order that is compatible

with the western global strategies. Other peace building efforts devoted to

democratization and development have been geared towards supporting military and diplomatic activities. And reconciliation and social

rehabilitation remain distant goals. Therefore, peace-building in

Afghanistan, if it has to be successful, should be on the basis of the

transformation of local conflict dynamics through negotiations.

Chapter 7 - Progress and Pitfalls of “Peace-Building” in Afghanistan Conluded!