A Warning in Afghanistan

Afghanistan foreshadowed Iraq with a quick military victory, foreign aid to rebuild and emphasis on getting in place a constitution, elections and a hoped-for democracy. But the Afghans’ persistent struggles should send a warning to the world that a lack of security, heavily armed militias and a flourishing drug trade could turn the nation back into a lawless sanctuary for terrorists.

An independent commission last week unveiled a draft constitution that could be a milestone in Afghanistan’s recovery from decades of invasion, wars and Taliban misrule. If an Afghan grand council adopts the blueprint next month, it will set the stage for elections next year and a strong presidential form of government. The constitution proclaims Afghanistan an Islamic state but promises religious freedom to all. It specifies free education for boys and girls up to secondary school.

But the constitution could be an empty promise. Nearly two years after the U.S. drove the Taliban from power, remnants of the Islamic extremist group are regrouping and attacking U.S. troops. International peacekeepers, whom Washington foolishly limited to Kabul, only now are expanding their mandate. It’s happening in the relatively calm northern city of Kunduz, not where troops are needed more -- in southern areas like Kandahar. Foreign aid groups, which last year were attacked monthly, say their workers are attacked every other day. As in Iraq, this has led aid groups to withdraw many foreign workers.

Washington has committed other errors. U.S. troops have been too tied for too long to warlords. In a southeastern province, Afghans said militias -- paid to guide U.S. forces hunting for Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters -- last month robbed, assaulted and tortured villagers after the Americans left. Warlords’ cruelty first led many Afghans to welcome the Taliban a decade ago. If the U.S. is seen as an ally of the tens of thousands of militia fighters -- forces who prey on civilians and again grow opium -- it will turn Afghans against the soldiers, depriving them of intelligence they need to hunt the Taliban.

France, Germany and other nations that opposed the Iraq invasion have helped the U.S. with Afghanistan, understanding the 9/11 attacks require a unified assault against terrorism. If international support has not been enough to make Afghanistan a success yet, how much tougher will it be in Iraq? Washington needs to help Afghan President Hamid Karzai disarm the militias and work with France and Germany to train a national army. Will Afghanistan provide a global example as a peaceful, democratic nation or a land of chaos and brutality?