Building Democracy in Afghanistan
Ambassador Said T. Jawad
The Washington Post
06/09/2004
Robert D. Novak's May 31 op-ed column, "Lost
in Afghanistan," was wrong on several counts.
First, we applaud U.S. soldiers as they conduct
operations against remnants of the terrorist groups in Afghanistan
to make my country and our world safer. The coalition forces
led by the United States are helping to provide a secure environment
in which democracy can solidify in Afghanistan. To refer to
an unnamed "discouraged and now discharged Special Forces
officer" to suggest that these soldiers lack confidence
in their generals and in the integrity and leadership of President
Hamid Karzai is not only insulting to the committed U.S. forces
but is also unfounded.
Second, Afghanistan has made significant progress
in building democratic institutions and strengthening the rule
of law. President Karzai was elected by the representatives
of the Afghan people in the loya jirga last June. On Jan. 4
he signed into law our new constitution -- the most progressive
charter in the region -- adopted by the representatives of the
Afghan people.
Third, Afghans and our international partners
are proud of the values and standards of honesty, commitment,
dignity and modesty set by Mr. Karzai. He is the most visionary
and honest leader ever to emerge in our part of the world.
Never before have Afghans been as hopeful about
their future as now. About 2.5 million Afghan refugees have
returned home. Thousands of internally displaced persons have
gone back to their villages and begun normal life.
We experienced 30 percent economic growth
last year, continuing at 20 percent this year.
