An assessment of the needs of Afghan citizens will allow the Afghan Government to better appropriate funding toward improvement of the structure and function of the Republic in two key areas: national security and humanitarian efforts. This type of post-NATO-ISAF bilateral rescue mission will instill a greater sense of self-respect and national pride within the citizens of Afghanistan and give way to a mellifluous flow of business and commerce.
All forms of change for peace keeping, peacemaking, and peace building should be orchestrated with the continued monetary and advisory support of the international community. Relationships with humanitarian leaders, such as Dr. Yacoobi, should be strengthened by giving them special appointments for further research. Regionally linguistic educational programs, which use audio/visual tools to explain proper health care procedures in pre and post-natal care, stress relief, HIV/AIDS, and the role and rights of citizens, should be provided to all in the creation of a national environment which is benefited by the rule of law. A special guard should be placed over women, especially those in rural areas, giving them the opportunity to move from place to place and become productive citizens. Day care facilities, as well as other institutes of learning, will also need to be well guarded, as they house the future of Afghanistan. In the event that there are those persons in need of such attention, the "Harm Reduction" and "Abstinence" models for drug addiction treatment should be taught to a team of counselors in order to help people recover from narcotics dependencies.
Training is already underway for new NATO-ISAF personnel to assist the Afghan Government in rebuilding the country. However, this training should be inclusive of professionals who are hired to teach the young men and women of Afghanistan in the fields of carpentry, electrical, medical and dental technology, plumbing and other specialized skills for an expansion of a viable work force within Afghanistan. All young people want to aspire to a lifestyle of success. Guidance is crucial for their so doing. Programs should be formatted to reach out to young people within rural areas of the country, opening up doors of opportunity to teens, the likes of which have not been seen since before 1979. Building a civil society requires more than saying do not do this or that. It requires step-by-step guidelines that show people how to wisely harness their creativity. The guidelines implemented must be flexible and allow each generation to effectually make progress. So many youth are lost in the system because their voices are not being heard. President Karzai should begin a grassroots-level program that delegates positions of power to the young as a means of discussing the needs of those who are the future of Afghanistan. The older generations must remember to view the young as their protégés, not as their problems. Antiquity and modernity are capable of a very powerful and healthy collaboration in achieving a seamless success in Afghanistan.
Cooperation by the Afghan Government with NATO-ISAF is quite evident as the troops prepare for gradual departure from the country. President Karzai's Administration should go the extra mile in the recruitment of Afghan men and women for officer training in the new Afghan National Police Department (ANPD). All who come forth to join should be given full pardon from any infractions which have not harmed life or limb. There is a wealth which is greater than all the gold and minerals to be found within Afghanistan. It is the wealth that is within the hearts of the citizens of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.
Darrell Brown is a full-time student at Trident Technical College and Vice Chairman of the Resident Advisory Board for the Housing Authority of the City of Charleston, SC.
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August 9, 2010
Felix F. Seidler, PhD Student (CAU Kiel), Blogger, Platinum Contributor (344)
Well written article. You make some interesting points, which I want to comment on.
Afghanistan will not be totally independent in 2014. Within less than four years, its economics will not become strong enough to pay for a well-functioning state. Beside the formalities, the effective political independence is questionable. The US will not leave country. Otherwise US military would not invest in Bagram Air Force Base < http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2010/08/u-s-afghan-mega-base/ >.
China, India, Iran and Russia are seeking for influence as well. Though, Kabul is in a tong, which it will not be able to leave. Its economy is too weak.
Same is with self-governance. In my opinion, Kabul will hardly have the means to conduct its authority throughout the country. Communication infrastructure is insufficient and the Ring Road is not in the condition to become a lifeline. But as you mentioned, educational programs are a budding step. Most important is, that (adult!) Afghans learn reading and writing. You will understand a lot more of health care issues or your own rights, when you are able to read the sources.
I absolutely agree with you in case of hiring professionals to skill Afghans. This is exactly what we need, especially for the Afghans from 20 to 30. Those are the ones, who will take over the country soon. If the coming generation is well educated, Afghanistan will have a better future.