What will be Afghanistan’s future at a time when it is getting nearer to crucial processes such as presidential election and complete withdrawal of NATO forces? It is the biggest question of time. With the Afghan war in its eleventh year, the fate of Afghanistan is still vague increasing concerns inside and outside the country.

2011 was the deadliest year for civilians in Afghanistan questioning the roles of NATO and Afghan government that have committed to protect lives of the people of Afghanistan. 2012 is no different. As can be observed bloodshed is continuing and more people are becoming victims of Taliban’s insurgency.

The prevailing lowest level of security has led many Afghans including businessmen, political and social figures to escape the country. Afghans form a significant number of asylum seekers around the world while rate of Afghan refugees returning to Afghanistan has reached its lowest point according to current UNHCR figures.

In addition to deteriorating security, rampant corruption, limited writ of government, no rule of law and weak governance has led the rift between the government and people to widen like never before. Outside Afghanistan, the involvement of US led NATO countries in Afghanistan is under serious questions and the public support for Afghan war has significantly decreased. The reason is inconsistent policies and strategies that have produced not positive result on the security condition in Afghanistan and the Karzai administration which is growing weaker by the passage of every year.

At the same time, Afghan national army and police – deemed the future pillar of Afghanistan’s security – are turning against their international partners as Taliban have successfully infiltrated their ranks. More than 2,000 members of the U.S. military have died in Afghanistan as a result of the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan has turned into economic burden for the international community and the level of foreign aids, on which Afghanistan wholly and solely depends, are subject to decrease amid expectations of global economic crises.

Once the world economy itself falls into crises, it will be difficult for donor countries to fulfill their commitments towards Afghanistan. Such factors have resulted in boosting of the morale of Taliban. Although last year the death of Osama bin Laden marked an important success against al-Qaida, Taliban leadership are still active. Once the US withdraws from Afghanistan, they make utmost effort to give a tough time to Afghan government. The hopes for a stable and prosperous Afghanistan are diminishing with each passing day.