Kandahar, a city in the southern part of Afghanistan has been run by the Taliban for many years. Currently, top US and Afghan officials are looking for ways to change that. Previously, efforts had leaned toward fighting the Taliban, but now they are beginning to realize the need of having a functioning government in that area. This includes issues like power, police and public health, to name a few. Officials realize that the locals will continue to support the Taliban unless a functioning government is put in place. These new plans are at the heart of the US lead coalition’s attempts to stabilize Afghanistan. US troop levels are continuing to increase in the belief that the spike in Taliban bombings and assassinations of officials will stop. This should help push the Taliban out of that part of the country. Attempts to bring a stronger government into this area have proved difficult in the past because some of the most powerful Afghans live in this area. Military operations are generally short skirmishes. US and coalition forces believe that once the proper government is in place, then they will need to change the minds of the people and help then realize their future can be in their hands. Currently the coalition is holding meetings with the elders showing them how these changes can come about and how they will benefit the Afghan people.
President Obama and Vice President Biden have both talked about the US’ intention to pull our troops out of Afghanistan sooner rather than later. In order for that to happen, it is vital that a government be in place that is workable and is accepted by the people. If not, the Taliban will simply fill in the void left when the troops go home. The primitive conditions in Afghanistan are what have led to the Taliban’s strong presence in the area. This may be the only opportunity for the West to intervene and bring a higher standard of living and peace to a war-torn region.
Rosenberg, Matthew. "Infrastructure's Importance Rises in Kandahar Effort." The Wall Street Journal. 22 June 2010.
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