Afghanistan is a landlocked country with large mountainous areas, which remain mainly arid throughout the year. Thus, there is often shortage of water, due to which the local population has to bear many inconveniences. Besides, the country is also prone to earthquakes, which leaves trail of destruction. Over its chequered history, Afghanistan has had both natural and man-made disasters to cause enormous havoc to this fertile country, because of which, it remains one of the poorest countries in the world today. The mountainous nature of this country has made it rather inaccessible for purpose of trade and commerce, and with very little vegetation possible due to aridity of land; people are forced to seek recourse to poppy cultivation for their daily sustenance.
There are a large number of diverse ethnic communities in this country and various dialects are spoken in different areas of the country. “There are also many other, smaller, ethnic groups including Turkmens, Baluchs, Aimaks and others.” (O’Toole).
The problem lies in the fact that the administrative machinery would have a tough time in “trying to unite a country driven by ethnic, religious and tribal rivalries.” (O’Toole). Add to this is the problems caused by the local Taliban forces which, although are out of power, are bent upon destabilizing the country by wrecking government’s attempt to enforce peace and harmonious democratic process in the country. The Taliban is aided with arms and ammunition from terrorists’ outfits in Pakistan, where, internal forces are siding with the Taliban and local drug Mafias to enforce their reign of terror and subjugation on this neighboring country.
The recent history of Afghanistan has been the ousting of the Taliban and the attempt at restoring the democratic process under the elected representation of Hamid Kanzai, the President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. He has an enormous task in that he has to bring about acceptable reconciliation amongst the local warring factions, groups and clans within the country and persuade the remaining Taliban religious fundamentalists to lay down their arms and join in the Government’s efforts for nation-building. The very existence of the civil Government in Afghanistan is with the active assistance of the reigning National Alliance, needs the support of foreign powers and NATO allies to stay in power. Afghanistan’s peace efforts are ensured by US Special Forces, UNO peace-keeping forces and military personnel of countries interested in the ultimate peace and prosperity of this war-ravaged country.. How long this would last is a matter of conjecture, and it may also become necessary for peacekeeping armies to remain in Afghanistan for a long time to ensure permanent stability in the land.
Coming to the second part of the question, the history of Afghanistan has been one replete with bloodshed and violence since its rule under the Mughals. Then began the ten-year siege by the Soviet Union between 1979 – 1989, which destroyed the country’s economy and forced millions of Afghans to flee to neighboring countries. “More than 1 million Afghans died in the war and 5 million became refugees in neighboring countries.” (The Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan).
After the Russians left in 1989, the country’s administration had to grapple with Civil war and the rise of the fundamentalists, the Taliban who violated fundamental human rights and forced the people into penury. The international community has pledged to do whatever they could to reconstruct the country pledging “over $24 billion at three donors’ conferences since 2002.” There is however, a number of serious issues that need to be addressed, primary among which is the illicit poppy, or drug trade, which figures as a $ 4 billion illegal industry. The other challenges could be in terms of creating jobs for youth, civil supplies, water and law and order conditions. (Afghanistan).
The Russian army on its retreat had planted nearly 5 million landmines in the country, and this is a major concern since it is still causing death and injuries to the locals, including women and children.
Conclusion: It is thus seen that Afghanistan’s future would rest on the prolonged stay of peacekeeping forces and also economic aid and food supply from international organizations. The democratic rebuilding could only be pursued as long as the US Special Forces and other armies who are maintaining peace in the country could be sustained and it is anybody’s guess to see how long this could continue, given the enormous costs needed to maintain forces in another country.
Works Cited
O’Toole, Pam. Afghan Polls Ethic Battleground. bbc.co.uk. 2004. Web.
The Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan. Questia. 2008. Web.
Afghanistan. 2008. Web.