NATO and Afghan elections


Regarding the column "A growing rift" by William Pfaff (Views, Feb. 12): NATO's internal strife over Afghanistan might spell disaster for the credibility and future of the Atlantic Alliance. However, that's not what the Afghan people are most worried about.

Infighting between those countries bearing the brunt of counterinsurgency operations against the Taliban and those focusing on development and reconstruction in Afghanistan's quieter areas might put at risk the prospects of organizing presidential elections in 2009.

NATO's current inability to guarantee security in the southern parts of the country will preclude these elections, turning the promise of democracy into an empty shell.

If NATO cannot come to grips with the situation, the matter should be referred back to the UN Security Council to make sure the Afghans are not abandoned once more by the international community.

Jorrit Kamminga, Director of Policy Research, The Senlis Council


http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/02/15/opinion/edletters.php