Afghanistan ambassador discusses challenges of democracy
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Formerly ruled by the Taliban, an Islamic extremist group defeated by American-led forces after the Sept. 11 attacks, Afghanistan will hold its first democratic elections for parliament and its 34 provincial councils on Sept. 18. Jawad, who spoke as a part of the ambassadors' forum, said that while Afghanistan's 2004 presidential election was successful, the country "is not out of the woods yet."
Jawad said security in the country has been increased during the weeks leading up to the election. Jawad said that while the country has disarmed 120,000 Afghan militias and strengthened its three-tiered system containing local security forces, the national army and international forces, he sees an insurgent attack during the elections as unlikely "because (the radical groups) know how unpopular that would be."
During his speech, Jawad explained Afghanistan's problems with insurgents and government structure. He said a new amnesty program for low-level officers "has left the leadership fragmented and isolated."
However, he said that while it will be challenging, he has high hopes for a sustainable democratic government in the country.
"The Taliban is defeated, but not eliminated," he said. "(But) terrorists will not be able to stand against the will of the country."
Jawad stressed how a strong democratic Afghanistan will benefit not only itself, but its Middle Eastern neighbors as well. He further expressed the country's goal to "replace regional rivalry with trade and peace with Pakistan and other countries throughout the area."
Charles Cushman, GW professor of political management, said he believes democracy is possible in Afghanistan, though it might not be anything like America envisions the concept.
"Democracy will have to be pretty loose to accommodate all the different groups involved in Afghanistan," he said.
Regarding the upcoming elections serving as a catalyst for democracy in the Middle East, Cushman said, "I wouldn't hold my breath."
Jawad added that Afghanistan's challenges do not end with the next week's elections. He said the country is still one of the poorest in the world, having one of the highest infant mortality rates and one of the lowest life expectancy rates.
