(English) July 10, 2012
The reconstruction of Afghanistan, like the continuing war there, won’t be cheap. Donors are pledging $16 billion over the next four years to rebuild the war-torn nation.
The United States, whose share of the fund has yet to be determined, reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the nation this past weekend. Afghanistan is a “major non-NATO ally.” It is the 15th nation to receive the designation.
Although fighting rages in many provinces, American combat troops will be withdrawn in 2014. To date this year, 215 coalition soldiers have died compared to 271 in the first six months of 2011.
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton told the Associated Press that the United States’ strategy of “fight, talk, build” remains strong. Efforts to win over Taliban militants have been slow but steady, she said.
Afghanistan’s key to stability depends on the ability of the Afghan security forces to secure the country and the central government to eliminate fraud, mismanagement and abuse.
The country is cash-strapped and will remain so long after U.S. troops have left. An international conference on civilian assistance to Afghanistan is taking place in Japan. Donor nations will want assurances that the country won’t descend into chaos once troops pull out.
Source: The Norman Transcript
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