U.S. aid to Afghanistan

As President Bush has often reminded us, the people of Afghanistan are not our enemy. Now, the Bush administration has taken a key step toward showing the world the truth of that statement.

Secretary of State Colin Powell has pledged $296 million of U.S. foreign aid this year to rebuilding Afghanistan. That can be a first step toward helping Afghanistan rebuild as a functioning, rational society and a strategically located ally.

The pledge of U.S. aid occurred Monday at an international conference in Tokyo, where Japan, Saudi Arabia, European nations and other donors quickly pushed the total of early pledges over $3 billion.

The real work and costs are just beginning in Afghanistan. As Powell remarked, reconstruction will be much harder than putting the vicious Taliban and al-Qaida terrorists to flight. The leadership for rebuilding must come from Afghans themselves, but the financing can only come from abroad. After more than 20 years of warfare, most of the country is as devastated as the country’s treasury, looted by the fleeing Taliban. U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan estimates that $10 billion will be needed over the next five years.

While it is appropriate for other countries to provide a large share of the contributions, the United States has an overriding interest in the success of Afghanistan’s reconstruction. We must make sure that the world and we avoid the kind of donor fatigue witnessed elsewhere.

The destruction of Sept. 11 will stand as a reminder of the practical dangers for America of ignoring the collapse of any society in our interconnected world. Afghanistan provided a hothouse atmosphere for the growth of terrorism. With its central Asian location Afghanistan will continue to have an important bearing on any number of countries whose futures are vital to American national interests. If we are to hope for a peaceful world in the years ahead, we must assure that Afghanistan doesn’t help spread chaos to Pakistan, Russia, Turkey or China. And we cannot allow Afghanistan to be used by militant forces in Iran or elsewhere.

American history provides many examples of the long-term security that derives from helping the people of a former enemy, especially a devastated one. Reconciliation can eventually grow without much significant aid, as Vietnam shows, but Vietnamese society retained a good deal of strength through a long civil war. In contrast, Afghanistan’s destruction, both physically and culturally, may be even more total than that of Germany or Japan after World War II.

As the Pentagon turns its attention toward other fronts in the war against terrorism, Americans should realize that we have provided aid elsewhere as well. The Philippines and Indonesia, for instance, need short-term military aid and long-term development assistance if they are to escape the threat of terrorist movements and grow into stable democracies. By acting in good faith to assist Afghanistan, we will help make the case to those countries and others that we are interested in living together in mutual security with any people of good will, not simply projecting American power.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Sunday, Feb. 16

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Rivian, based in Irvine, Calif., has introduced its new R2 models, smaller and more affordable SUVs. (Rivian)
Editorial: Open electric vehicle market to direct sales

Legislation would allow EV makers to sell directly to customers, making lease or purchase easier.

President Donald Trump listens alongside Elon Musk as he explains the administration’s cost-cutting efforts in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025. Musk has for weeks posted on social media about government spending, often amplifying and seeding false information. (Eric Lee/The New York Times)
Comment: This crisis can’t be left to courts alone

The courts can uphold the law, but they can’t match the speed of the executive branch in tearing down systems.

Eco-nomics: Climate change is making insurance a risky bet

Keeping home insurance affordable amid climate change will take adaptation to threats and broader efforts.

The Buzz: When you gotta boogie, best to shake it off, kid

A pasquidadian review of the week’s news.

Stick with solutions to homelessness that have heart

A friend of mine, a poet from Leningrad who was born during… Continue reading

SAVE Act would restrict voting rights

As a mother, I am flabbergasted by the continued and increasing attacks… Continue reading

Solar for All program is very beneficial and should be kept

The recent Herald article about the $156 million grant for Solar for… Continue reading

Comment: Keeping health care fair, affordable as costs rise

Bills in the state Senate would look to control costs and keep decisions in the hands of providers.

Comment: Proposal takes a swipe at credit card swipe fees

State legislation would exempt taxes and gratuities from the fees that credit card firms charge businesses.

People walk adjacent to the border with Canada at the Peace Arch in Peace Arch Historical State Park, where cars behind wait to enter Canada at the border crossing Monday, Aug. 9, 2021, in Blaine, Wash. Canada lifted its prohibition on Americans crossing the border to shop, vacation or visit, but America kept similar restrictions in place, part of a bumpy return to normalcy from coronavirus travel bans. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Editorial: U.S. and Canada better neighbors than housemates

President Trump may be serious about annexing Canada, but it’s a deal fraught with complexities for all.

CNA Nina Prigodich, right, goes through restorative exercises with long term care patient Betty Long, 86, at Nightingale's View Ridge Care Center on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Boost state Medicaid funding for long-term care

With more in need of skilled nursing and assisted-living services, funding must keep up to retain staff.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.