Speeches & Remarks 2006

Afghanistan Has Made a Remarkable Transition

By David C. Mulford
U.S. Ambassador to India

This signed article appeared in the February 9, 2006 edition of The Times of India

Afghanistan's remarkable journey to democracy, which many thought impossible four years ago, was highlighted last week when India and the United States joined more than 60 governments in London to endorse the next stage in Afghanistan's development. 

Confirming their support for the continuation of Afghanistan's historic transformation, this broad coalition of nations and international organizations committed $10.5 billion in assistance to Afghanistan for the next two years.  India and the U.S. have been partners in this endeavor since the first days of Operation Enduring Freedom, and with the completion of the Bonn process and the focus on long-term development, India's crucial contributions have become widely recognized as of key importance.

Our two nations share the same goals for Afghanistan.  We both want Afghanistan to succeed in becoming a peaceful, democratic country with good relations with all of its neighbors.  We are both providing substantial assistance toward this end.  In addition to the United States' contribution of over $10 billion since 2001, President Bush will ask our Congress for $1.1 billion in new assistance to support the Afghan people this year. 

The United States remains firmly committed to building a stable and peaceful environment for the Afghan people to live their lives free of terrorism, and will continue to provide military support even as our partners from NATO take on greater responsibilities in securing the peace.

The Afghan people have demonstrated a strong desire for peace, democracy and development that deserves the sustained support of the international community.   They have also welcomed the tremendous positive change that has taken place in their nation since the ouster of the Taliban and are optimistic about the future.  A recent World Public Opinion poll shows that 83% of Afghans believe their country is heading in the right direction and 70% of Afghans recently polled by BBC say their own circumstances are improving.  These significant statistics show that the reconstruction efforts are having a positive impact on the people of Afghanistan. 

As Secretary Rice said last week, "The transformation of Afghanistan is remarkable but, of course, still incomplete. And it is essential that we all increase our support for the Afghan people." The international support for this transformation has been extensive and impressive.  Dozens of countries are lending their expertise and resources to reconstruction. 

India has been a vital partner in Afghanistan's reconstruction since 2001, committing assistance of $600 million to aid Afghanistan's development.  India recognizes that while financial assistance is important, sharing its expertise is equally crucial in helping Afghanistan to stand on its own.  Active contributions in areas such as the construction of important infrastructure, food assistance, educational scholarships, and special training programs for Afghan nationals, underline the key role that India has played in the renewal of Afghanistan.

During the four years since the United States and our coalition partners overthrew the Taliban, Afghanistan has made an astonishing recovery.  The strong will of the Afghan people and the sustained commitment of the international community have united to build a country that is making real progress in democracy and in placing its people on the path to increased prosperity.  IMF estimates of real GDP growth were 8 percent for 2004-05 and 14 percent for 2005-06.  Sectors with the most active growth include construction, telecommunications and hotels/services.  Exports are expected to reach $500 million in 2005-06.  The Afghan government is actively working to improve its trade relations and develop energy and transportation corridors with its neighbors as it seeks to re-establish its centuries-old role as a "land bridge" between Central and South Asia.

In September Afghanistan conducted the most free elections in its history when it chose 351 men and women to represent all of its provinces, tribes and ethnic groups in the country's first democratically elected legislature in more than three decades.  Confounding all predictions, the Afghan people turned out in large numbers to express their clear support for democracy and desire to participate in determining their nation's future. 

India's role in supporting the Afghan people on this path to democracy has been critical, providing needed supplies and training to ensure the successful conduct of the 2004 and 2005 elections, and helping build capacity for the new representative Parliament.  India's generous pledge to construct a new Parliament building, and its ongoing support to the newly elected legislators and Parliamentary staff, will serve as lasting symbols of India's contribution to Afghanistan's success.

The United States, India, and the international community continue to stand with President Hamid Karzai and the newly elected Afghan Parliament as they build a stable, prosperous, and democratic Afghanistan.  The success of this week's donor's conference is a result of the ongoing transformation of Afghanistan from tyranny to democracy. 

Challenges to this vision remain, including combating the corrosive and illegal narcotics trade.  The amount of land under poppy cultivation declined significantly last year, but total opium yield remains high. Adoption of some basic investment and economic laws, and promulgation of standards and regulations will ease the economy from its dependence on opium as it grows in other areas.  To further promote growth, Afghanistan still needs more roads, electrical power, water infrastructure, and other transportation services.

A democratic, peaceful Afghanistan will be a source of stability and an economic benefit to the entire South Asia region.  Such a future is within reach provided that the international community continues to work closely with the government and people of Afghanistan.  The success of the London Conference demonstrates the renewed commitment we all share to help Afghanistan build a bright future.