Recently there has been many gloomy predictions of Afghanistan's fate after NATO withdrawal in 2014. Western think-tank reports and media op-ed analysis have all, but doom predictions. However, most Afghans, particularly the political elite and middle class new generation in urban centers of the country have hopes and firmly believe if certain things go smooth, and current powerbrokers go ahead within the constitutional framework, other threats such as security after NATO withdrawal and Taliban insurgency, or economic breakdown are not decisive.
They believe key to Afghanistan's future stability will be a credible and inclusive presidential election in 2014, followed by a constitutional transfer of power. President Karzai has repeatedly affirmed his commitment to a peaceful, constitutional transition of power at the end of his second term. All Afghans, whatever their gender, ethnicity or religion, have much to gain from a successful political transition, and the United States is committed to working with international partners to support the Afghans as they choose their next leader.
It is clear that without the political will and commitment of the US and NATO, we cannot continue the current post-2001 process. Afghanistan needs strong support—financial, technical, political and security—from the international community. It would be impossible to hold elections for a smooth transition of power without international support.
Only a transparent elections and legitimate transfer of power can ensure stability. Any misadventure will mean gradual decent into chaos with the current system at stake. There, the international community must ensure peaceful transition of power strengthening the current democratic process. They should avoid signalizing messages of gloom such as the recent statements of Obama's VP Biden in a Presidential debate in the US.
The political transition will determine sustainability of achievements made during the last decade, and the US and NATO must ensure it with feasible resources and commitment. It is critical that the people of Afghanistan must elect their president in a democratic process, and for the first time in country's history, a leader makes peaceful transfer of power after the end of his time in office.
The international community needs to support that process, a transparent and credible one. The Government needs to make an urgent action plan regarding the voter registration, legislation on clarity about institutional roles in issues related to the elections and preparations must be pushed for the coming polls.