NATO and France: for Afghanistan, worry about the people and schools
Kabul (AsiaNews) - At the NATO summit in Chicago there is discussion on the future of Afghanistan and the possibility that some European countries will leave Afghanistan before the agreed deadlines (late 2014). All this leads me to a few conclusions.
First, as you Westerners say, "pacta servanda sunt " pacts must be respected. If the agreement between the members of NATO is that they will leave by 2014, everyone should respect this date.
It is true that France, with its mania for grandeur, thinks it can do as it pleases. It is also true that the world economic situation is difficult. But with all this, there are countries that are worse off than France, yet who remain faithful to their agreements. It seems to me that in addition to France, there are other countries - with sizable military contingents - who have decided to leave. The bulk will retire between 2013-2014, as outlined.
Another consideration: leaders in Chicago have to be clear about the consequences their decisions will have. The question to be answered is this: is the Afghan army prepared to take over management of the country's security? And the police are prepared?
This begs a moral problem: with all the money donated to the armies and the military - about 70% of international aid - why is the training of Afghan troops taking so long? The rush to withdraw, and the way they are spending the money has left a bad taste in my mouth and a strong distrust of Western countries, because those of us who remain in Afghanistan will face the consequences.
After over 10 years, these troops leave a country almost exactly as they found it. From the social point of view living standards are more or less the same as the past. Sure, they will leave an armed trained military, who will defend the interests of groups rather than national interests. But if we consider that 70% of the funds went to the reorganization of the army and police, social structures - hospitals, schools, roads, which are what matters to people - only got the crumbs.
Another problem that the future of Afghanistan will face are the tribal struggles. Just look at the history of the country: the Tajiks who have always been overwhelmed by the Pashtuns, the Azara also humiliated, who are raising their head again.
Hopefully common sense will prevail, but fear is gripping the country because we are aware of not having prepared enough for a future of peace.
But rather than soldiers, much more support should be given to humanitarian operations in the time that remains. Even in this realm, however, there are NGOs that have been enriched with their operations in Afghanistan.
For a clear assessment of the commitment of the multinational force, we only need to consider one final point: that of improving the status of women.
One can say that the situation in Kabul is pretty good and the school attendance of girls is high. The girls want to study. Indeed, if there is an evolution of the country, this will be due to women alone. In other cities there are positive signs. But where the Taliban are in the villages, everything is determined by the mullahs and the Taliban and their mentality.
The anti-female mentality is always widespread in society. Perhaps only during the Soviet invasion there was greater freedom. Perhaps humanitarian organizations should do more for the education of girls and the general population.
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07/07/2021 10:32
