Karzai’s ‘Win’ Leaves Much to Be Desired
So, despite widespread fraud, Karzai has won as the President of Afghanistan. I realize this is a country for which democracy is barely starting to take root, clearly those roots are extremely fragile. Old ways are hard to break from but they can be broken from. Just seems to be me, his declarations to the contrary notwithstanding, Karzai has neither the will nor the fortitude to actually start dismantling the culture of corruption which permeates his governance.
He’s not alone on the world stage for leading a country rife with corruption. What draws my attention to his behaviour is that Canadians are fighting and dying in that country in an effort meant to stabilize the country and bring peace to its people.
Anyone who has read this blog knows that I not only support our troops, I support their mission. That being said, I have to admit to some doubts about the effectiveness of Canadian troops continuing to die at a rate higher than most other forces when the man who should be most inclined towards doing everything in his power to make sure it succeeds gives tacit if not direct support to the corruption which impedes the effective governance needed to attain and maintain peace.
The Canadian Parliament has mandated an end to the combat mission in Kandahar to take place in 2011. Initially, I was not terribly supportive of that end date. To me, you define the mission and stay until the end of that mission, not some line in the sand end date. However, in the next year I’m going to be watching closely for some indication that Karzai is making some effort to clean up his act. I don’t hold out much hope to be honest but, hope springs eternal eh.
If Karzai doesn’t have the fortitude to take the stands that are needed and to act decisively to establish good governance in his country, his leadership will never be accepted by the people and should most decidedly not be accepted by the international community.
There are neither clear nor easy answers in Afghanistan but I think this much is clear. Canadian troops should not be surrendering their lives after 2011 if the very people they are fighting for wont fight for themselves.
What do you think?
Related posts
- Kandahar Press Censorship Isn’t Quite as Reported? (0)
- What is Karzai Inhaling? (0)
- Violent Surge in Kandahar Province (2)
- Taliban Jack Wants to Bolt From Kandahar (0)
- Strange Harper Clone Appears Before National Media (0)
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