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Afghanistan And Pakistan: A Conversation with the <i>Washington Post</i>'s Pam Constable

Pam Constable, Deputy Editor for Foreign News, the Washington Post

Date & Time

Wednesday
Oct. 25, 2006
4:00pm – 5:30pm ET

Overview

Pamela Constable, speaking at an Asia Program event, painted a bleak picture of today's Afghanistan. Referring to the Taliban insurgency, she noted that the majority of Afghans do not want the Taliban in power. However, given the leadership void in the central government in Afghanistan, the Taliban see an opportunity for assuming power; have re-emerged from villages; and stepped into leadership roles. Meanwhile, the Pakistani leadership, particularly the leadership of the religious parties, offers support and "a de facto sanctuary" for the Taliban in Pakistan. The Taliban take advantage of the financial and military resources they receive in Pakistan to reorganize and strengthen themselves.

Constable observed that there is a "growing globalization of the Taliban's message." Empowered by technology, the internet and global pop culture, "the Taliban have become more sophisticated as the world has become more sophisticated." At the same time, the Achilles heel of Afghanistan is not simply the Taliban insurgency, but rather an institutionalization of corruption. Constable states that weak institutions and a lack of public support and conviction in the central government are the root causes of Afghanistan's instability.

The role of Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf in Afghanistan is significant. The recent peace deal he signed with tribal leaders in North Waziristan Agency can be interpreted in a number of ways. One perspective is that Musharraf is acting on his belief that the security of Pakistan is inextricably intertwined with the security of Afghanistan. Another view is that Musharraf is responding to the enormous international pressure his nation faces to cooperate in the war on terror. Constable noted that talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan are predicated on a "timeless tradition" to solve problems through negotiating deals. However, although Musharraf is a "tough and smart leader, with his heart in the right place," he has not been able to make advancements in a number of cases ranging from tax reform to honor killings.

Constable also highlighted some promising signs of progress in Afghanistan. Universities in Kabul are "bursting with female students," and economic and social development are indeed occurring in some areas. The work of mobile rural midwives has been very successful, as it emphasizes training and learning in communities. Japanese aid and UNICEF projects are making headway in building and financing elementary schools. Unfortunately, local conflict often keeps children home, thus undermining these development efforts.

Drafted by Bhumika Muchhala, Program Associate, Asia Program
Tel: 202/691-4020
Robert M. Hathaway, Director, Asia Program

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Indo-Pacific Program

The Indo-Pacific Program promotes policy debate and intellectual discussions on US interests in the Asia-Pacific as well as political, economic, security, and social issues relating to the world’s most populous and economically dynamic region.   Read more

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