Normalizing Afghanistan’s economy a key step toward stability
Societies and nations survive and prosper only if there is harmony and a degree of internal equilibrium. In the world today, there are numerous examples of political polarization and societal fragmentation. This applies equally to developed and developing nations. State structures and patterns of governance seem to be under severe stress, causing widespread disillusionment, disaffection and disarray. Societal progression catapulted at a breakneck speed by technology is creating a certain redundancy syndrome, as governmental institutions are unable to cope with the pace and scope of change.
Political and economic systems everywhere are increasingly becoming dysfunctional. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to this malaise. Yet there are other instances where societal equilibrium has been disturbed by external influences. A classic case is that of Afghanistan. The Afghan Compact was fractured by the circumstances leading to the December 1979 Soviet invasion and the decades since have seen generations of Afghans suffer incessantly from strife and conflict. Indeed, the Afghan way of life is to fight to make a living. Living and fighting have unfortunately become synonymous.
Efforts to create stability and peace in Afghanistan have not succeeded, despite the best of intentions and great efforts by the international community. The US and NATO have spent almost a trillion dollars on “Project Afghanistan.” The objectives of this enterprise have ranged from countering terrorism and insurgencies to nation building. The key political focus has been the promotion of national reconciliation — an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned process.
The broad parameters have been to institute democratic governance and create a united, stable Afghanistan anchored around a constitution. Despite very many efforts, a new compact has not yet emerged. The principal reason for this is the prevalence of the situation of war economy. Lost in the quest for national reconciliation and a durable political settlement is the fact that, so far, no one has adequately dealt with the question of turning it around to a normal economy. No political settlement will endure without a viable economic foundation.
The quest for peace and the requisite political settlement must be woven around the theme of winning the hearts and minds of the people of Afghanistan, and incentivizing all Afghan parties to unite for a better future.
Salman Bashir
The international community, in particular the US, other friends of Afghanistan and principally its contiguous neighbors, must consider devising a method for normalizing the Afghan economy. This is not only a political but also a moral imperative. Afghanistan is rich in natural resources, and it is situated on the vital north-south and east-west corridors connecting Central and South Asia with the world. The quest for peace and the requisite political settlement must be woven around the theme of winning the hearts and minds of the people of Afghanistan, and incentivizing all Afghan parties to unite for a better future.
One of the essential political elements is, of course, creating a consensus on “no space for terrorists,” including Daesh. This is not impossible if the international players, along with Afghan National Security Forces and the various factions of the Afghan Taliban, get together under the overarching theme of development and peace. The Taliban has signaled receptiveness to accepting international help for social and economic development in the areas it controls.
The agenda and talking points of the discourse on Afghanistan will make progress only if the underlying causes for the conflict are seen as being addressed in a meaningful manner. The ideological differences among the various Afghan parties can be discussed and resolved by such constitutional amendments as they deem necessary, and which receive popular support — for instance in a grand jirga or a popular referendum of sorts. Carrots for all rather than just sticks may prove to be the way forward. Pakistan can play its due role as a neighbor and friend by granting Afghanistan the access it requires for the transit of goods, thus allowing it to become a hub for regional commerce.
Afghans are a resilient and enterprising lot. They can sense what is good for them individually and collectively. It is time to rethink the approach toward making a stable and prosperous Afghanistan. The new Afghan national compact will evolve in due course, but only if the external aspects are driven in a positive direction.
• Salman Bashir is a Pakistani diplomat who served as the Foreign Secretary of Pakistan and Ambassador to China and India. Twitter: @SalmanB_Isb
