Afghan Success Needs Diplomacy
Afghanistan success needs diplomacy
By Frank Carlucci and Gary Hart
Politico; October 15, 2009
While our military and political leaders aggressively debate the level of troops needed in Afghanistan to advance our national interests, it is critical that we not miss an essential component of our long-term success in stabilizing that troubled region of the world and in enhancing our own national interests.
While we may have differing views on the issue of troop levels, we both know all too well the vital role of our nonmilitary tools of engagement, particularly diplomacy and civilian foreign assistance programs, in rebuilding that country’s economic infrastructure, establishing democratic institutions and providing the Afghans good reason to believe in a better future.
As Secretary of Defense Robert Gates has said, “We cannot kill or capture our way to victory.” This is particularly true in a nation ravaged by decades of fighting and where most of the 30 million inhabitants lack decent housing, clean water, electricity, health care and jobs.
