The Strategic Highway from Kabul to Kandahar Reopened

The transitional government of Afghanistan has reopened the strategic highway from Kabul to Kandahar. According to news sources, Hamid Karzai, on Monday after cutting a ribbon near the village of Darani south of the capital, stated that the reopening of the nearly 500-kilometer highway is vital for the country's revival. Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan, said in the presence of ministers, provincial representatives, and diplomats that they are indeed standing on the path to Afghanistan's future. The highway, most of which was funded by the U.S. government, was built amid attacks from Taliban insurgents. During the construction, many workers were kidnapped, and several were killed. The reopening of the highway will reduce travel time between Kabul and Kandahar from 16 hours to about 6 hours. President Hamid Karzai thanked President Bush for the U.S. role in reconstructing this important strategic highway that connects the capital to the economic center of Kandahar in the south. In a statement released by the White House, Mr. Karzai informed Mr. Bush about the progress made in the Loya Jirga assembly in Kabul, which is drafting a new constitution. Mr. Bush told Mr. Karzai, who officially opened the highway on Tuesday, that the highway represents an important advancement for the Afghan people. According to Mr. Bush, this road enhances political unity among Afghan provinces, facilitates trade, and allows people greater access to medical and educational facilities.