In Asia: Weekly Insight and Features from Asia

For the most part, Afghanistan is portrayed today as violent and war-torn and with an ineffective and corrupt government. The consensus seems to be that there is little hope that the country will hold together or defend itself against the Taliban and other terrorists after U.S. and NATO combat troops leave two years hence.

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One is constantly reminded of the grim realities of Afghanistan today, a country entering its 10th year of war with a bloody and brutal insurgency and a government in Kabul commonly viewed as corrupt and ineffective. But there is another perception of what is taking place in Afghanistan that should be taken into account — [...]

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Compared to my last visit with my wife, Pat, to Kabul in 2004, the city today is roaring, with traffic filling the streets and crowds of people flocking to stores along the main streets. I saw no beggars. Women are greatly outnumbered by men on the streets, and from what I saw, a third or [...]

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With Hamid Karzai declared the winner of Afghanistan’s highly controversial presidential election, President Obama’s decision regarding future U.S. policy toward that country is considered imminent. As part of his deliberations, Mr. Obama has received the assessment of his military commanders, the advice of his top civilian leaders, and the views of NATO allies, among others. [...]

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