In
this article from the
Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars (see description of the center below) in late July 08, a couple of interesting points are brought up. First, it speaks of poppy eradication efforts failing to curb Afghanistan's
provision of 92% of the world's opium supply (used to make heroin and fund the Taliban), where there are no programs offering alternative income opportunities for opium farmers, providing ample space for the Taliban to step in and gain support as well as money. Secondly, it speaks to the uneven focus of the
US's efforts on Iraq, with less than 1/3 the amount of troops stationed in Afghanistan than in Iraq, while more American casualties and increasing instability are occurring in Afghanistan.
But i think the most important point this article touched on was responsibilities of reconstruction-- an interesting point brought up in Laurie's post as well. It mentioned that the US entered Afghanistan (unlike Iraq), with the support of the international community. This begs the question of how much responsibility the international community has to the reconstruction of Afghanistan, and more pressing, the care of the thousands of internally displaced persons. Obviously, the Al-Jazeera video posted by Laurie tells of a largely underfunded and insufficient aid system for refugees. I am of the line of thought that if the Afghan government cannot or will not support these people, it is up to the international community, and especially the US to take on this role.
What have you guys heard about this? Is the international community less willing to assist the US in Afghanistan because of our actions in Iraq? How do you see this shaping up? Do you foresee improvements in the 'reconstruction' process?
The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars:
"The Center is the living, national memorial to President Wilson established by Congress in 1968 and headquartered in Washington, D.C. It is a nonpartisan institution, supported by public and private funds, engaged in the study of national and world affairs. The Center establishes and maintains a lively, neutral forum for free and informed dialogue.
The mission of the Center is to commemorate the ideals and concerns of Woodrow Wilson by: providing a link between the world of ideas and the world of policy; and fostering research, study, discussion, and collaboration among a full spectrum of individuals concerned with policy and scholarship in national and world affairs."