Editorial: Progress in Afghanistan

Editorial: Progress in Afghanistan - 2004-06-18. What you read here is the official opinion of the U.S. government. The people of Afghanistan will vote in September for a president and members of parliament. Hamid Karzai, the transitional president of Afghanistan, visited Washington this month, spoke in Congress, and met with President Bush. Mr. Karzai thanked America for its assistance in rebuilding Afghanistan after years of oppression and the chaotic rule of the Taliban. He stated, 'We have a constitution that is the most progressive of its kind in that part of the world. And because of the freedom you helped us achieve and the stability that has been established with American assistance in Afghanistan, it became possible to draft it. As a result, we have a constitution that makes us a model of an Islamic democratic country.' However, President Karzai mentioned, 'Afghanistan also has problems. The issue of drugs is among these problems. The government and people of Afghanistan are determined to fight this threat and end it, and they need your help to succeed in this endeavor. Despite existing problems, progress is being made in many areas. Afghanistan is no longer a sanctuary for Al-Qaeda terrorists. Clean water is available to people in many regions of the country. Hospitals and clinics have been rebuilt. Millions of Afghan children have been vaccinated against measles and polio. Three years ago, the extremist Taliban regime severely oppressed Afghan women. Most women were not allowed to work outside the home, and girls were not permitted to attend school. In many cases, women were even deprived of the little medical care that existed.' Today, according to Mr. Bush, Afghan girls are going to school, and the country's constitution protects women's rights. The U.S. President stated, 'Women were beaten for wearing brightly colored shoes. Even playing music and flying kites were illegal and forbidden. Today, we are witnessing the rebirth of Afghanistan's vibrant culture. The sound of music fills the markets, and people are free to gather and openly participate in various ceremonies.' President Bush remarked, 'The road ahead for Afghanistan is still long and difficult. But the Afghan people now know that their country will never again fall into the hands of terrorists and murderers. The world and America stand with them and share in their efforts for peace, prosperity, stability, and democracy.'