NEW YORK, Sept. 9, 2008 - Dr. Abdullah Abdullah
said that domestic problems have contributed to the resurgence of the
Taliban in Afghanistan, and blamed the present government for not
pursuing cohesive policies. During an interview with the Asia Society,
he said that the Taliban were considered a "spent force" a few years
ago and have now established bases inside the country.

According to Dr. Abdullah, regional and international factors
have also contributed to escalating levels of violence and insecurity
in the country. He said support for the Taliban from different elements
in Pakistan as well as the presence of terrorist camps there have been
key determinants.

At the international level, Dr. Abdullah argued that clear
political and military goals for Afghanistan had not been determined,
and the policies being pursued need urgent review. He emphasized that
additional troops are essential to achieving stability and security in
Afghanistan, but that they cannot be the only element; any increase in
the foreign military presence needs to be part of a more comprehensive
strategy.

The increase in civilian deaths in Afghanistan during NATO
military operations, he said, is also a source of concern. The US, he
maintained, should not let the "enemies of Afghanistan" capitalize on
these incidents by immediately disavowing responsibility so that the
people of Afghanistan know that all parties are equally troubled by
these events.

Commenting on what he described as the "chaos" within the
Afghan government, and the increasingly strained relations between the
legislative and the executive branches, Dr. Abdullah said he would like
to see some sort of devolution of power from the center to the
provinces.

He expressed optimism about the presidential race scheduled
for October 2009, hopeful that the next administration would establish
a "moderate, Islamic Afghanistan" which is also democratic.

The next administration in the US, he said, should ensure that
the elections in Afghanistan take place as scheduled and that they are
conducted in a free and fair manner. He was hopeful that the US would
not focus on an individual or small group of people but rather provide
broader support to the country by empowering Afghans in governance and
security, initiating Afghan-led local arrangements in coordination with
international forces.

Interview conducted by Nermeen Shaikh, Asia Society Online.

Listen to the complete interview (23 min., 13 sec.)

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