Developments that have taken over the past 12 years in Afghanistan cannot be and must not be neglected, regardless of what the future brings. With the international community’s financial and non-financial support, noteworthy improvements are observable in democracy, civil society activities, human rights, media, education and other important sectors. Afghanistan has 352,000-strong security force; creation of which has been possible with funds and technical support of NATO allies.

Unfortunately, at the juncture where Afghanistan is standing today, all those gains seem fragile as security remains at worst and the future stands completely bleak partly because of the recent policies and instance of the government. Withdrawal of most of the international troops from Afghanistan is to take place by the end of 2014 or even before that as the crucial Bilateral Security Agreement faces deadlock due to President Karzai’s denial to sign it.

Financial and non-financial cooperation of the international community to Afghanistan is expected to shrink. With that, the probability that Afghanistan will once again become the epicenter for Islamic extremist groups like Taliban and al Qaida has increased, creating deep concerns among the Afghan populace.

The lives of the people of Afghanistan are at the mercy of militants. Insurgents continue suicide/roadside bombings, targeted killings, abductions, etc. As the date for presidential election nears, it is expected that Taliban attacks might also multiply giving a tough to Afghan security forces.

Every candidate running for the presidential seat must know it well that Afghanistan requires formulation of better national and foreign policies and decision makings in the best interest of the nation. In addition, there is a need for an overall institutional reform aimed at improving transparency and accountability. Any new government that will be formed as a result of April 5th election must plan to make better uses of the opportunities available to Afghanistan keeping in view the mistakes the Afghan governments have been making in the past.   

A desirable government would be a corruption-free and reform-oriented government that can defend, reconstruct and develop Afghanistan, expand rule of law, provide justice, counter narcotics, protect human rights and above all, refer the enemy of the people as its own enemy, not brother. The biggest challenge for the next president will be correcting the bulk of mistakes that will automatically fall upon his shoulders. Soon Afghans will elect a new president. Although there will be a new president, challenges are old.