The prime need of Afghanistan is strong army and police. In the post-Taliban Afghanistan, the Afghan National Army (ANA) has appeared as the most creditable institution. Being a soldier in a country like Afghanistan where death follows you like a shadow, is not any easy job. The ANA is a source of great hope for the people of Afghanistan in regards of securing their lives.

Over the last ten years, the Afghan soldiers have given every sacrifice required to perform their responsibilities towards saving the life of people against the brutality and violence practiced by the enemies of peace, prosperity and democracy in Afghanistan – the Taliban. Despite the severe hindrances lying in the way of ANA, it is moving towards becoming a competent and professional force. That is indeed a time requirement of Afghanistan.

Undoubtedly, in country where there have been conflicts for more than three decades building an army from nothing in short period of ten years is challenging task. Therefore, the international community must continue their support to strengthen the defense of Afghanistan for a long term. This will not only save Afghanistan but also the efforts put in by the international community. Only a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is in favor of regional and global security.

The international troops operating in Afghanistan under NATO are scheduled to leave this country by 2014. Nonetheless, the training process of Afghan soldiers and police, as committed by the international community, will continue for long term after 2014.

Security responsibilities have already started falling in the hands of Afghan army and police. To defend Afghanistan on their own, Afghan security forces would definitely need more training and equipments. The US has boosted up the process of making the ANA and Afghan National Police (ANP) more competent as it is withdrawing its forces from Afghanistan.

But that process needs to be continued for long term. Meanwhile, the people of Afghanistan must stand behind their security forces against the enemies of Afghanistan. ANA and ANP must also be kept away from disasters of ethnic and religious differences.

A strong, competent, professional and well-equipped army is an asset required for long term stability in Afghanistan. The Afghan forces have a long way to reach international standards, no doubt, but they are committed to defend Afghanistan at the cost of sacrifices of their lives and they are proving this fact on daily basis.