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State-building which has globally been a hot political issue is indeed a phenomenon that concentrates on countries that have lately been freed of war or are still in the war. This phenomenon dragged the attention of many powerful countries in the late 20th century. After WWII, state-building has also been recommended to countries that were once occupied. It is worth mentioning that state-building is not the only factor for constructing a post-war government but the terms as nation-building, governance and peace-building are being used parallel with the former one. State-building is a major topic comprises all the latter ones. Thus, state-building has been a paramount focal political point which is believed to be the very first solution for all sorts of difficulties resulted from the war.
State-building is a process of controlling violence, establishing the legitimacy of government and constructing capable and responsive institutions nation-wide. Political, economic and security are the three major aspects of state-building but security is considered to be of utmost importance because other than the latter, the former ones are not possible to be established.
Country-wise speaking, along with some sub-Saharan countries, Iraq and Afghanistan are other countries that have often been exemplified while speaking on state-building. Since Afghanistan has been in war for almost five decades, state-building in it has likewise been among the crucial missions of international donors. Unfortunately, the mission seems not to be accomplished yet. Vast corruption, embezzlement, and usurpation have been prevailed due to lack of legitimacy of governmental institutions which is a major topic of state-building. Human rights, women and children’s rights violations which have been taking place since the start of civil war, urgently necessitates a potent government to secure the rights.
During the very civil war in Afghanistan, several governments toppled and were replaced by new ones none of which lasted for a long while. The skirmishes which were caused not only by internal feud but foreign and neighboring meddling were also the major factor, badly affected the people and government apparatus. Millions of people migrated, hundreds of thousands died and left nothing untouched in order for a government to be established later. To answer the question of whether a lack of government caused war or war obliterated the government is rather difficult but taking into consideration the importance of state-building for a lasting and stable government; one can easily conclude that the absence of war incurred all the tribulations to the country.
So, it is of real importance for politicians and power holders to concentrate on building a government. The post-war government is not the one that can be established by local political elites and by using their own amenities. State-building universally has its one means which include international aids, international meddling, intermediation, and consultation. Furthermore, the role of internal players in this process is vital. It is impossible for international donors to work for building a government unless it is not by the collaboration of local politicians. International aids and local cooperation are both interrelated. In other words, international donors do not cooperate if they do not have people in the field to help.
Afghanistan after 9/11 entered a completely new phase in terms of building a government and restoring stability and peace. More than 35 countries including NATO member states were willing to help Afghanistan build a government. Some would argue that the countries didn’t come here to help us build our country or government but had their own interests and goals. That may sound rational and somewhat true but the amount of money which has been poured in Afghanistan was much enough for building a government. If we allowed the money to be used where needed then we will not be experiencing their presence even after 20 years. Put it simply, we would be a self-sufficient country.
After the long-waited peace accord signed between the US and Taliban, Afghanistan has come to a very different and historically important phase. For the time being, we have a very big opportunity to build a stable government ever. The war between the Taliban and the US which was believed to be the biggest obstacle for building a government, came to end and everything is settled for intra-Afghan talks to kick off. Thanks to the international partners who still do not spare their subsidization and cooperation. If we have missed the last 19 years, I am sure we have, then from today, our politicians must take responsibility to secure a stable and self-sufficient Afghanistan for our descendants by all means possible.
A GREAT AND AN EFFECTIVE NEWS.