Jane's takes up the problems with an effort by the US to rebuild post-Taliban Afghanistan on the model of the Marshall Plan. Reading Marshall's speech shows similarities and profound differences between war ravaged Europe and Afghanistan. Marshall offered primarily financial aid, but included goods and services as needed to help the countries rebuild. This was done, as the first page states,

• "[t]o promote world peace and the general welfare, national interest, and foreign policy of the United States through economic, financial and other measures necessary to the maintenance of conditions abroad in which free institutions may survive and consistent with the maintenance of the strength and stability of the United States."

The challenge in Afghanistan today is far greater since there is no infrastructure to rebuild. There is literally nothing there. The country has been at war of one kind or another for 22 years. Any semblance of government, commerce, or social structure not related to making war disappeared long ago. It is these institutions that need to be built from the ground up. In my opinion, the basic infrastructure and commerce pieces need to be set up in an environment insulated from governmental corruption. While it would certainly have its own problems, I think the UN needs to draw up an act akin to the Marshall Plan to deal with Afghanistan that puts reconstruction before finding the most powerful politico of the moment to take over as dictator. Basic economic units such as roads and markets need to be established before we create a government that will do nothing but siphen off aid intended for the people to line its own pockets. Once there is a structure to govern, then one can be set up.

Significantly, the only way to ensure that this be started is to have a blanket international military presence in the country. Perhaps we could send Powell to the UN to build such a coalition.
- posted by levinson @ 10/12/2001 08:15:00 AM