David Miliband

Political surge in Afghanistan

I am typing this on the Eurostar to Paris for the second round of UK-France discussions about Afghanistan.  The loss of 10 French soldiers outside Kabul on 18 August has brought grief but also determination in France . 
 
Coverage in Britain of the Kajaki dam turbine delivery has rightly heaped praise on the skill, bravery and success of the operation so far.  But commentators are also right to point out that for the ordinary Afghan it is the operation of the dam that is important, and that is still some time off.  For them, security is uppermost in their minds - and that means above all local policing, a key feature of confidence in any country.  The widespread perception of the need for massive reform of the Afghan police - often rightly contrasted with the Afghan army - is a top priority for European and American partners of the Afghan government.
 
Civilian or at least non-military interventions are at the heart of sustainable progress - hence the emphasis in Anglo-French discussions of the need for a political surge in Afghanistan, led by the Afghan government at national and local levels.  The news that 18 provinces are now poppy free, up from 13 last year, and that drug harvests are down 19%, is one indicator that while indiscriminate terrorist attacks are a rising source of insecurity, normal life including commercial life among farmers encouraged by rising wheat prices can take root.
 
I will be discussing with Bernard Kouchner how civilian-military cooperation can be better developed, not least to engage the local population.  The new and now up and running UK Civil Military Mission in Helmand is a sign of the future.

Posted at 17:59 04 September 2008 by David Miliband  |  Comments[6]