Aghanistan: A Good Post on the Frontier

Fire of Liberty

Amir Taheri has a great column in Friday's New York Post on why Afghanistan's President Karzai should form a stronger military/strategic bond with the United States. I particularly liked the following paragraphs:

It is clear that none of the regional powers is in a position to protect Afghanistan against predatory neighbors while it builds its democracy and acquires enough military strength and sociopolitical cohesion to defend itself. That task can only be assumed by an extra-regional power. Yet the European Union's natural tendency is to cuddle despots, not to stand up to them. NATO is also out because, plagued by internecine feuds, it is often unable to develop a coherent strategy. That leaves only the United States — hence Karzai's public appeal for a formal alliance.

But why should Americans commit themselves to a remote land with which they have little in common? The answer lies in President Bush's correct understanding that the most effective weapon in winning the war against terrorism is democratization. U.S. national security requires that the world's last remaining despotic regimes, where anti-Americanism provides the core of a sick ideology, be guided — and, when necessary, goaded — into democratization.

The United States has given Iraq and Afghanistan a chance to start democratization. It must remain committed to them for as long as it takes to make that process irreversible. Karzai has the vision, and the courage, to raise the issue. Later this year, we shall see whether Iraq's elected parliament will share his analysis. A positive response from Washington to Karzai's demand could also help the debate in Iraq.

Thanks to our valiant soldiers, special forces and the members of the Northern Alliance, President Karzai has been able to get his nation turned down the right avenue for success. After twenty years of hell, I think this is the least of things that we can provide to this burgeoning democracy. With the various jackals lurking around Afghanistan one can never be wary of seeking a burly night watchman like the US.