Afghanistan: It's About Development, Stupid

For four years after 2001, a very successful programme dealt with development, poverty reduction and social justice in Afghanistan, but it was ultimately allowed to fail. Now it must be re-started. Two critical meetings – one in London, the other in Kabul – should soon clarify the Afghan government’s plan in these areas and how the international community will work with it. Fears that it will be costly are misplaced, because much of the money is poorly spent now and, in the right circumstances, the country can generate its own wealth. Success in Afghanistan can only be achieved with such an approach.