Change Afghanistan Can Believe In

10 years later, life isn't just better -- it's much better.

BY CHARLES KENNY | DECEMBER 12, 2011

After 10 years of war and reconstruction, and as tens of thousands of international troops and aid workers in Afghanistan gear up to spend yet another holiday season a long way from the comforts of home, a lot of people are wondering: Was it worth it? Certainly Dec. 5's international conference in Bonn, Germany, on the future of Afghanistan was a subdued affair -- boycotted by Pakistan after NATO aircraft killed 24 troops on its border and rapidly overshadowed by a rare act of sectarian violence in Kabul (against Afghan Shiites) that killed 59 people. Expectations were considerably below the high hopes of the first Bonn conference 10 years ago on building a post-Taliban Afghanistan. Then, in 2001, the talk was of making the country a haven of peace and prosperity after 30 years of war. Last week, it was the hope of good-enough government over a stable-enough country.

Nonetheless, the answer to "was it worth it" is yes. For all the waste, corruption, and death, Afghanistan is a much better place to live than it was 10 years ago, and the international community can take a considerable part of the credit for that.

First, the country remains considerably more peaceful and united than it has been for most of the past 40 years. The 1990s saw battle deaths in Afghanistan average around 9,000 a year, according to World Bank data. From 2003 to 2008, though, despite an uptick of violence in the last few years, that average was down to below 3,000 deaths. Yes, negotiations with the Taliban have foundered since the September assassination of the government's chief negotiator, Burhanuddin Rabbani. Still, militant attacks were down by more than a quarter in the three months to September this year over the same period last year. Asia Foundation polling suggests people feel more secure, support for the government is up, and about two-thirds of the country reports no sympathy for the Taliban.

The economy is also in better shape than it was 10 years ago. According to World Bank data, GDP per capita climbed from $569 to $879 between 2002 and 2008, a rate of growth that suggests average incomes might have doubled over the course of the decade since the fall of the Taliban. The World Bank suggests that as the troops leave and aid flows diminish, GDP growth rates may slow from around 9 percent to 5 or 6 percent. Nonetheless, rising average incomes suggest at least some Afghans are living life a little further away from absolute destitution. One positive sign: 71 percent of Afghan households have a mobile phone.

World Bank data and the recent Afghanistan Mortality Survey suggest heartening progress in quality of life over the past decade as well. Not least, adult mortality has been declining both because of reduced violence and improved conditions for good health. Death rates among men ages 15 to 59 has approximately halved over the last 10 years. For men and boys together, war and other violence now account for about the same number of deaths as drownings and traffic accidents combined. War-related injuries kill about as many males as die from diabetes-related complications and one-quarter the number who die from infections and parasitic disease. Additionally, deaths from infectious diseases have also been declining, not least because the proportion of the population (some 48 percent) with access to clean water more than doubled between 2000 and 2008.

Furthermore, female adult mortality declined by about one-third over the past decade -- not least thanks to improved maternal health. The risk that a woman could die from pregnancy- or childbirth-related causes has fallen by one-third since 2000, though it is still at a shockingly high level that kills almost one in 10 adult women. Once more, that is in part thanks to expanded availability and use of health services. The percentage of women of childbearing age using contraceptives climbed from 5 to 20 percent between 2000 and 2010, and the percentage of births attended by skilled personnel more than doubled.

Moreover, the percentage of women seeking medical care and advice for their newborns increased from 16 to 60 percent between 2003 and 2010. Meanwhile, immunization rates against measles climbed from 35 percent of 2-year-olds in 2000 to 76 percent by 2009. Partly as a result, under-5 mortality fell from nearly 11 percent of kids dying before their fifth birthday to around 8 percent over the past 10 years. Combined with rapidly dropping birth rates, this suggests the chance that a parent will go through the pain of watching one of his or her children die before age 5 has declined from a likelihood of roughly three in five to around one in three.

Kaveh Kazemi/Getty Images

 

Charles Kenny is a senior fellow at the Center for Global Development, a Schwartz fellow at the New America Foundation, and author, most recently, of Getting Better: Why Global Development Is Succeeding and How We Can Improve the World Even More. "The Optimist," his column for ForeignPolicy.com, runs weekly.

MICHAELGERALDPDEALINO

11:38 PM ET

December 12, 2011

Freedom of Religion

These good developments are inspiring. I hope Afghans would also develop a culture of religious plurality, wherein all religious beliefs are respected.

 

CONTATOCA

5:36 AM ET

December 13, 2011

Of Afghani women and

Women and children have been killed in the war. They were killed and their men were injured. Imagine if your family is killed in front of your eyes then you would only have an aim to destroy the person who killed your family. Good WORK !

 

DMOLONEY

4:59 PM ET

December 14, 2011

But if the invasion did not

But if the invasion did not occur the level of violence and living conditions would have been worse, thats what this piece is showing.

 

KAMILLYJONES

8:33 AM ET

December 13, 2011

Islam is simply awsome

Islam is one of the world best relegion and no one can defeat Islam.

How Islam Came To Afghanistan

“…So, this area that we are in, Afghanistan, was subject to Persian Magian rule…Badakhshan, the northern provinces, Juzjan, etc. all the way to Takhar and Herat. Khurasan was part of the Persian empire, and Bukhara and Samarqand were all part of the Persian empire. How did ‘Uthman conquer it?
Do you not see me guided after I was misguided * And I became a soldier in the army of Ibn ‘Affan?

So, all of these areas were conquered in the era of ‘Uthman, and ‘Abd ar-Rahman bin Samurah conquered Kabul during the era of either ‘Umar or ‘Uthman. In the ‘Sunan’ of Abu Dawud, it says: “‘Abd ar-Rahman bin Samurah narrated to us in Kabul.” So, ‘Abd ar-Rahman bin Samurah conquered Kabul during the era of ‘Umar or ‘Uthman, may Allah be Pleased with them both.

None of the populations that were conquered by the Muslims ever rebelled or resisted them except the people of Afghanistan. The people of Afghanistan are very stubborn, and it is not an easy task to make them submit. So, the Muslims conquered it during the era of ‘Umar, and this was followed by a rebellion from some of the tribes and the expulsion of the Muslims, and the Muslims had to return later on and conquer Afghanistan a second time.

If the Afghans become convinced of an idea or belief, they are known to cling to it very tightly and spread it. This is why they carried the religion of Buddhism and the people of Afghanistan adopted it. There was no way to change them – Buddhism, that was it, and this is why there is a huge statue of Buddha still standing in Bamyan today.* They are the ones who spread Buddhism in the region – to Pakistan and India. The Afghans are the ones who spread it…some tribes became convinced of this belief and began spreading Buddhism.

Islam then came, they became convinced of Islam, and they spread it throughout the region. So, most of these areas adopted Islam through them, and Mahmud al-Ghaznawi invaded India seven times. He entered it and demolished their statue, Shamnama, and after this, the Afghan people adopted the Hanafi madhhab…”

How Islam Came To Afghanistan

“…So, this area that we are in, Afghanistan, was subject to Persian Magian rule…Badakhshan, the northern provinces, Juzjan, etc. all the way to Takhar and Herat. Khurasan was part of the Persian empire, and Bukhara and Samarqand were all part of the Persian empire. How did ‘Uthman conquer it?
Do you not see me guided after I was misguided * And I became a soldier in the army of Ibn ‘Affan?

So, all of these areas were conquered in the era of ‘Uthman, and ‘Abd ar-Rahman bin Samurah conquered Kabul during the era of either ‘Umar or ‘Uthman. In the ‘Sunan’ of Abu Dawud, it says: “‘Abd ar-Rahman bin Samurah narrated to us in Kabul.” So, ‘Abd ar-Rahman bin Samurah conquered Kabul during the era of ‘Umar or ‘Uthman, may Allah be Pleased with them both.

None of the populations that were conquered by the Muslims ever rebelled or resisted them except the people of Afghanistan. The people of Afghanistan are very stubborn, and it is not an easy task to make them submit. So, the Muslims conquered it during the era of ‘Umar, and this was followed by a rebellion from some of the tribes and the expulsion of the Muslims, and the Muslims had to return later on and conquer Afghanistan a second time.

If the Afghans become convinced of an idea or belief, they are known to cling to it very tightly and spread it. This is why they carried the religion of Buddhism and the people of Afghanistan adopted it. There was no way to change them – Buddhism, that was it, and this is why there is a huge statue of Buddha still standing in Bamyan today.* They are the ones who spread Buddhism in the region – to Pakistan and India. The Afghans are the ones who spread it…some tribes became convinced of this belief and began spreading Buddhism.

Islam then came, they became convinced of Islam, and they spread it throughout the region. So, most of these areas adopted Islam through them, and Mahmud al-Ghaznawi invaded India seven times. He entered it and demolished their statue, Shamnama, and after this, the Afghan people adopted the Hanafi madhhab…”

How Islam Came To Afghanistan

“…So, this area that we are in, Afghanistan, was subject to Persian Magian rule…Badakhshan, the northern provinces, Juzjan, etc. all the way to Takhar and Herat. Khurasan was part of the Persian empire, and Bukhara and Samarqand were all part of the Persian empire. How did ‘Uthman conquer it?
Do you not see me guided after I was misguided * And I became a soldier in the army of Ibn ‘Affan?

So, all of these areas were conquered in the era of ‘Uthman, and ‘Abd ar-Rahman bin Samurah conquered Kabul during the era of either ‘Umar or ‘Uthman. In the ‘Sunan’ of Abu Dawud, it says: “‘Abd ar-Rahman bin Samurah narrated to us in Kabul.” So, ‘Abd ar-Rahman bin Samurah conquered Kabul during the era of ‘Umar or ‘Uthman, may Allah be Pleased with them both.

None of the populations that were conquered by the Muslims ever rebelled or resisted them except the people of Afghanistan. The people of Afghanistan are very stubborn, and it is not an easy task to make them submit. So, the Muslims conquered it during the era of ‘Umar, and this was followed by a rebellion from some of the tribes and the expulsion of the Muslims, and the Muslims had to return later on and conquer Afghanistan a second time.

If the Afghans become convinced of an idea or belief, they are known to cling to it very tightly and spread it. This is why they carried the religion of Buddhism and the people of Afghanistan adopted it. There was no way to change them – Buddhism, that was it, and this is why there is a huge statue of Buddha still standing in Bamyan today.* They are the ones who spread Buddhism in the region – to Pakistan and India. The Afghans are the ones who spread it…some tribes became convinced of this belief and began spreading Buddhism.

Islam then came, they became convinced of Islam, and they spread it throughout the region. So, most of these areas adopted Islam through them, and Mahmud al-Ghaznawi invaded India seven times. He entered it and demolished their statue, Shamnama, and after this, the Afghan people adopted the Hanafi madhhab…”

How Islam Came To Afghanistan

“…So, this area that we are in, Afghanistan, was subject to Persian Magian rule…Badakhshan, the northern provinces, Juzjan, etc. all the way to Takhar and Herat. Khurasan was part of the Persian empire, and Bukhara and Samarqand were all part of the Persian empire. How did ‘Uthman conquer it?
Do you not see me guided after I was misguided * And I became a soldier in the army of Ibn ‘Affan?

So, all of these areas were conquered in the era of ‘Uthman, and ‘Abd ar-Rahman bin Samurah conquered Kabul during the era of either ‘Umar or ‘Uthman. In the ‘Sunan’ of Abu Dawud, it says: “‘Abd ar-Rahman bin Samurah narrated to us in Kabul.” So, ‘Abd ar-Rahman bin Samurah conquered Kabul during the era of ‘Umar or ‘Uthman, may Allah be Pleased with them both.

None of the populations that were conquered by the Muslims ever rebelled or resisted them except the people of Afghanistan. The people of Afghanistan are very stubborn, and it is not an easy task to make them submit. So, the Muslims conquered it during the era of ‘Umar, and this was followed by a rebellion from some of the tribes and the expulsion of the Muslims, and the Muslims had to return later on and conquer Afghanistan a second time.

If the Afghans become convinced of an idea or belief, they are known to cling to it very tightly and spread it. This is why they carried the religion of Buddhism and the people of Afghanistan adopted it. There was no way to change them – Buddhism, that was it, and this is why there is a huge statue of Buddha still standing in Bamyan today.* They are the ones who spread Buddhism in the region – to Pakistan and India. The Afghans are the ones who spread it…some tribes became convinced of this belief and began spreading Buddhism.

Islam then came, they became convinced of Islam, and they spread it throughout the region. So, most of these areas adopted Islam through them, and Mahmud al-Ghaznawi invaded India seven times. He entered it and demolished their statue, Shamnama, and after this, the Afghan people adopted the Hanafi madhhab…”

How Islam Came To Afghanistan

“…So, this area that we are in, Afghanistan, was subject to Persian Magian rule…Badakhshan, the northern provinces, Juzjan, etc. all the way to Takhar and Herat. Khurasan was part of the Persian empire, and Bukhara and Samarqand were all part of the Persian empire. How did ‘Uthman conquer it?
Do you not see me guided after I was misguided * And I became a soldier in the army of Ibn ‘Affan?

So, all of these areas were conquered in the era of ‘Uthman, and ‘Abd ar-Rahman bin Samurah conquered Kabul during the era of either ‘Umar or ‘Uthman. In the ‘Sunan’ of Abu Dawud, it says: “‘Abd ar-Rahman bin Samurah narrated to us in Kabul.” So, ‘Abd ar-Rahman bin Samurah conquered Kabul during the era of ‘Umar or ‘Uthman, may Allah be Pleased with them both.

None of the populations that were conquered by the Muslims ever rebelled or resisted them except the people of Afghanistan. The people of Afghanistan are very stubborn, and it is not an easy task to make them submit. So, the Muslims conquered it during the era of ‘Umar, and this was followed by a rebellion from some of the tribes and the expulsion of the Muslims, and the Muslims had to return later on and conquer Afghanistan a second time.

If the Afghans become convinced of an idea or belief, they are known to cling to it very tightly and spread it. This is why they carried the religion of Buddhism and the people of Afghanistan adopted it. There was no way to change them – Buddhism, that was it, and this is why there is a huge statue of Buddha still standing in Bamyan today.* They are the ones who spread Buddhism in the region – to Pakistan and India. The Afghans are the ones who spread it…some tribes became convinced of this belief and began spreading Buddhism.

Islam then came, they became convinced of Islam, and they spread it throughout the region. So, most of these areas adopted Islam through them, and Mahmud al-Ghaznawi invaded India seven times. He entered it and demolished their statue, Shamnama, and after this, the Afghan people adopted the Hanafi madhhab…” No one can end Islam, Muslims are every where in the world. Muslims are free to live every where. No body can defeat them in this world. Allah is with them and Allah is greatest Almighty.

Thanks

Admin of Clocks | Electric kettles

 

MARKKENNEDY

2:26 AM ET

December 14, 2011

Good points

Yes these are good points.
Whoever does good, whether male or female, and is a believer, We shall certainly make him live a good life, and We shall certainly give them their reward for the best of what they did.” (Quran 16:97)

AGoodLife.jpgA good life is what most people want to live. It is a life of happiness and fulfillment with little suffering, pain, or sickness. Aristotle wrote about it. Several novels and plays have been written on it. Singers like Tony Bennett have made it popular with their songs. The American dream defined it to be richer, better, and fuller for everyone in the form of good education, a well-paying job, and a comfortable life. The state of Nebraska even chose ‘A Good Life’ to be it’s promotional slogan.

God’s Word, on the other hand, sets a slightly different standard for a good life. It bases a ‘good life’ on spiritual contentment. It does not limit a good life tied to superior education, material plenty, or the perfect body. It brings happiness not from what lies outside, but from within. More accurately, a ‘good life’ is God centered.

God promises a ‘good life’ to whoever does good deeds. What makes deeds ‘good’? It is not what people define ‘good’ for themselves. Worst criminals justify their crimes. Fighting parties do not think of themselves as anything but ‘good.’ A ‘good deed’ is simply every good action that is listed in the Book that God has revealed for humanity or it was taught by the prophet that God send. Quran is the Book revealed by God and Prophet Muhammad is the last prophet He send.

There are several points to be noted:

1. A ‘good life’ is promised by God to every child of Adam, man or woman. It is an equal opportunity to attain happiness for every human being. It does not matter where or when they live. The recipe of success is the same for all. Male or female, all are equal in the sight of how God rewards them in terms of the effort they put in this life.

2. The only requirement for the person is to have faith. Faith in God is the foundation on which life must be based. This ‘good life’ is not tied to wealth, family status, or membership of a privileged class. They may be ingredients to happiness, but without a connection with God they lose meaning. The way to have a connection with God is to believe in His prophet as well. Therefore, a person must have faith in God and His prophet. Only a person with faith will perform works that are commanded by God and His prophet. Faith is the driving force of any action acceptable to God.

3. The ‘good life’ can be any form of comfort. It can be earning a decent livelihood that does not contradict God’s teachings. It can be the inner feeling of contentment whether one is rich or poor. Some state it is the pure joy of worship. Think about it, someone who lives a ‘good life’ should love someone or something. What greater joy can be there than loving God and building a relationship with Him based on worship!

4. This life is not the end of it. There is more after death. Living a ‘good life’ on this earth is further rewarded by God in the eternal life to come after death. God promises to reward men and women of faith with the best actions they did in this life – and the reward is no less than eternal Paradise.

5. Most people work all their lives to have the perfect ‘good life.’ Whether it is finding ways to make more money or going to college, yet not everyone is able to live a life of happiness and fulfillment. Why? Because a ‘good life’ is a gift of God. He gives it to whom He wills.

6. Many people put forth great services for fellow human beings. They make discoveries, create inventions, find cures, build free clinics and schools, but they lack faith. God does not wrong them. God pays them back in this world, but in the life to come, they get nothing. God informs us in the Quran,

“If anyone desires a harvest in the life to come, We shall increase it for him; if anyone desires a harvest in this world, We shall give him a share of it, but in the Hereafter he will have no share.” (Quran 42:20)

Such people do not serve humanity to earn reward in the life to come, they do it to earn fame or to get rich. They usually get what they worked for. That is their reward. God states,

“But the deeds of those who disbelieve are like a mirage in a desert: the thirsty person thinks there will be water but, when he gets there, he finds only God, who pays him his account in full - God is swift in reckoning.” (Quran 24:39)

Whoever does good, whether male or female, and is a believer, We shall certainly make him live a good life, and We shall certainly give them their reward for the best of what they did.” (Quran 16:97)

AGoodLife.jpgA good life is what most people want to live. It is a life of happiness and fulfillment with little suffering, pain, or sickness. Aristotle wrote about it. Several novels and plays have been written on it. Singers like Tony Bennett have made it popular with their songs. The American dream defined it to be richer, better, and fuller for everyone in the form of good education, a well-paying job, and a comfortable life. The state of Nebraska even chose ‘A Good Life’ to be it’s promotional slogan.

God’s Word, on the other hand, sets a slightly different standard for a good life. It bases a ‘good life’ on spiritual contentment. It does not limit a good life tied to superior education, material plenty, or the perfect body. It brings happiness not from what lies outside, but from within. More accurately, a ‘good life’ is God centered.

God promises a ‘good life’ to whoever does good deeds. What makes deeds ‘good’? It is not what people define ‘good’ for themselves. Worst criminals justify their crimes. Fighting parties do not think of themselves as anything but ‘good.’ A ‘good deed’ is simply every good action that is listed in the Book that God has revealed for humanity or it was taught by the prophet that God send. Quran is the Book revealed by God and Prophet Muhammad is the last prophet He send.

There are several points to be noted:

1. A ‘good life’ is promised by God to every child of Adam, man or woman. It is an equal opportunity to attain happiness for every human being. It does not matter where or when they live. The recipe of success is the same for all. Male or female, all are equal in the sight of how God rewards them in terms of the effort they put in this life.

2. The only requirement for the person is to have faith. Faith in God is the foundation on which life must be based. This ‘good life’ is not tied to wealth, family status, or membership of a privileged class. They may be ingredients to happiness, but without a connection with God they lose meaning. The way to have a connection with God is to believe in His prophet as well. Therefore, a person must have faith in God and His prophet. Only a person with faith will perform works that are commanded by God and His prophet. Faith is the driving force of any action acceptable to God.

3. The ‘good life’ can be any form of comfort. It can be earning a decent livelihood that does not contradict God’s teachings. It can be the inner feeling of contentment whether one is rich or poor. Some state it is the pure joy of worship. Think about it, someone who lives a ‘good life’ should love someone or something. What greater joy can be there than loving God and building a relationship with Him based on worship!

4. This life is not the end of it. There is more after death. Living a ‘good life’ on this earth is further rewarded by God in the eternal life to come after death. God promises to reward men and women of faith with the best actions they did in this life – and the reward is no less than eternal Paradise.

5. Most people work all their lives to have the perfect ‘good life.’ Whether it is finding ways to make more money or going to college, yet not everyone is able to live a life of happiness and fulfillment. Why? Because a ‘good life’ is a gift of God. He gives it to whom He wills.

6. Many people put forth great services for fellow human beings. They make discoveries, create inventions, find cures, build free clinics and schools, but they lack faith. God does not wrong them. God pays them back in this world, but in the life to come, they get nothing. God informs us in the Quran,

“If anyone desires a harvest in the life to come, We shall increase it for him; if anyone desires a harvest in this world, We shall give him a share of it, but in the Hereafter he will have no share.” (Quran 42:20)

Such people do not serve humanity to earn reward in the life to come, they do it to earn fame or to get rich. They usually get what they worked for. That is their reward. God states,

“But the deeds of those who disbelieve are like a mirage in a desert: the thirsty person thinks there will be water but, when he gets there, he finds only God, who pays him his account in full - God is swift in reckoning.” (Quran 24:39)

Whoever does good, whether male or female, and is a believer, We shall certainly make him live a good life, and We shall certainly give them their reward for the best of what they did.” (Quran 16:97)

AGoodLife.jpgA good life is what most people want to live. It is a life of happiness and fulfillment with little suffering, pain, or sickness. Aristotle wrote about it. Several novels and plays have been written on it. Singers like Tony Bennett have made it popular with their songs. The American dream defined it to be richer, better, and fuller for everyone in the form of good education, a well-paying job, and a comfortable life. The state of Nebraska even chose ‘A Good Life’ to be it’s promotional slogan.

God’s Word, on the other hand, sets a slightly different standard for a good life. It bases a ‘good life’ on spiritual contentment. It does not limit a good life tied to superior education, material plenty, or the perfect body. It brings happiness not from what lies outside, but from within. More accurately, a ‘good life’ is God centered.

God promises a ‘good life’ to whoever does good deeds. What makes deeds ‘good’? It is not what people define ‘good’ for themselves. Worst criminals justify their crimes. Fighting parties do not think of themselves as anything but ‘good.’ A ‘good deed’ is simply every good action that is listed in the Book that God has revealed for humanity or it was taught by the prophet that God send. Quran is the Book revealed by God and Prophet Muhammad is the last prophet He send.

There are several points to be noted:

1. A ‘good life’ is promised by God to every child of Adam, man or woman. It is an equal opportunity to attain happiness for every human being. It does not matter where or when they live. The recipe of success is the same for all. Male or female, all are equal in the sight of how God rewards them in terms of the effort they put in this life.

2. The only requirement for the person is to have faith. Faith in God is the foundation on which life must be based. This ‘good life’ is not tied to wealth, family status, or membership of a privileged class. They may be ingredients to happiness, but without a connection with God they lose meaning. The way to have a connection with God is to believe in His prophet as well. Therefore, a person must have faith in God and His prophet. Only a person with faith will perform works that are commanded by God and His prophet. Faith is the driving force of any action acceptable to God.

3. The ‘good life’ can be any form of comfort. It can be earning a decent livelihood that does not contradict God’s teachings. It can be the inner feeling of contentment whether one is rich or poor. Some state it is the pure joy of worship. Think about it, someone who lives a ‘good life’ should love someone or something. What greater joy can be there than loving God and building a relationship with Him based on worship!

4. This life is not the end of it. There is more after death. Living a ‘good life’ on this earth is further rewarded by God in the eternal life to come after death. God promises to reward men and women of faith with the best actions they did in this life – and the reward is no less than eternal Paradise.

5. Most people work all their lives to have the perfect ‘good life.’ Whether it is finding ways to make more money or going to college, yet not everyone is able to live a life of happiness and fulfillment. Why? Because a ‘good life’ is a gift of God. He gives it to whom He wills.

6. Many people put forth great services for fellow human beings. They make discoveries, create inventions, find cures, build free clinics and schools, but they lack faith. God does not wrong them. God pays them back in this world, but in the life to come, they get nothing. God informs us in the Quran,

“If anyone desires a harvest in the life to come, We shall increase it for him; if anyone desires a harvest in this world, We shall give him a share of it, but in the Hereafter he will have no share.” (Quran 42:20)

Such people do not serve humanity to earn reward in the life to come, they do it to earn fame or to get rich. They usually get what they worked for. That is their reward. God states,

“But the deeds of those who disbelieve are like a mirage in a desert: the thirsty person thinks there will be water but, Alarm clocks | Electric kettles when he gets there, he finds only God, who pays him his account in full - God is swift in reckoning.” (Quran 24:39)

Thanks

 

KESHABRAJ1

3:06 PM ET

December 13, 2011

whatever

what ever it is.. but Afghanistan should fee free him self.. then let him decide..

regards

much Value

 

WICKBAM

4:04 PM ET

December 13, 2011

my fear is

These economic gains will disappear once the US pulls the plug on the billions and billions of dollars it has been pouring into Afghanistan.

 

KUNINO

9:14 PM ET

December 13, 2011

Unworthy

This Panglossian piece establishes that if you care to think of Afghans as statistics, then things are much much better than before. It bypasses any idea that in Afghanistan as everywhere else in the world, life is better for some, worse for some, and much the same for everybody else.

The photograph of a well-nourished family from the wristwatch-wearing classes presents a misleading impression. That's how things are for some today -- if that photo was taken in recent days. How things will change when NATO forces leave in the near future ... well, that's something not examined here. Instead, we have a callow suggestion that such improvements as there have been to this month are somehow chiseled in stone. Nice if that were true.

As to the question of whether all the blood, sweat and ters, and taxpayers' billions was "worth it", who can tell? Worth what to whom? Sorrowing families of the NATO nations?

 

DELEPAAK

3:19 AM ET

December 14, 2011

The Trouble Is, those pesky Afghans *don't* believe in it

I agree with Kunino. Also 10 years is *exactly* the wrong frame... if u were to make the comparison between the quality of life nine years ago or eight years ago, it would look very different. Once we got rid of the Taliban, there was a plateau for couple of years and then it was all downhill. It's an odd approach to public policy to say we judge the results of a policy maintained for ten years, day in day out, by a successful five week military campaign conducted... ten years ago.

And that's if you believe the numbers. Most of the people who compile them - World Bank and others - don't, as they will tell you when you meet them in private.

To give Charles Kenny his due, it's true some levels of dissatisfaction are sometimes "irrational" and are actually reporting issues... people allowed freedom of speech for the first time inevitably use it to kvetch. But the conclusion that "it's been worth it" is totally unfounded, as though the problems weren't avoidable and it was all one package. Plus, if you could have projected back to 2001 the situation in 2011 there is no possibility whatsoever that any policy maker would have "bought" it. Quite literally.

 

XTIANGODLOKI

9:28 AM ET

December 14, 2011

Where did all that money go?

Between 2007 and 2009 (3 years) the US spent 18 Billion in reconstruction costs in Afghanistan alone. That's $530 per person, yet the GDP per capita only went up by $300 between 2003 and 2008 (6 years). Where the hell did all that money go?

 

JEANETTE2887

11:22 PM ET

December 24, 2011

Lots Of Money Wasted

I think when you look at the situation in the middle east when it comes to Pakistan and Afghanistan... Lord knows how much money has been wasted because of the corrupt governments over there. The money given to them in some cases has been used to fund and continue the very things that need to be stopped. redirect virus removal I am just over it and am looking forward to getting out of the middle east altogether at this point. I think the US has done about all it can do. It is an impossible dream to expect everything to be perfect over there. From day 1 the president had us fighting a war that is impossible to win over there. There has been some good to come of it but at a great price not only financially but in casualties as well.

 

KOSOVAAIRLINES

5:51 PM ET

December 30, 2011

opium

The economy is also in better shape than it was 10 years ago. According to World Bank data, GDP per capita climbed from $569 to $879 between 2002 and 2008, a rate of growth that suggests average incomes might have doubled over the course of the decade since the fall of the Taliban. The World Bank suggests that as the troops leave and aid flows diminish, GDP growth rates may slow from around 9 percent to 5 or 6 percent. Nonetheless kosova airlines, rising average incomes suggest at least some Afghans are living life a little further away from absolute destitution. One positive sign: 71 percent of Afghan households have a mobile phone.

why do you think the mobiles and gdp is growing? what is the afghans main business? they have 630 million Euro pure profit only from opium not to mention total revenues most of the country is producing it.... that keeps them alive and generating profit..they are worlds TOP NUMBER 1 producer

 

YARINSIZ

11:58 PM ET

January 9, 2012

None of the populations that

None of the populations that were conquered by the Muslims ever rebelled or resisted them except the people of Afghanistan. The people of Afghanistan are very stubborn, and it is not an easy task to make them submit. So, the Muslims conquered it during the seslichat era of ‘Umar, and this was followed by a rebellion from some of the tribes and the expulsion of the Muslims, and the Muslims had to return later on and conquer Afghanistan a second time.