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Note: The opinions presented are not necessarily those of the Government of Canada.
Policy Position Paper (in English only)
Topic: FAILED AND FRAGILE STATES
Name of University: University of Windsor
Name of Course: Political Problems and Economic Development
Name of Professor: Dr. Anna Lanoszka
Group Members: Cristina Costante, Nabil Mohammed, Leila Yousef, Matthew Stubblings
Summary of Group Discussion:
Afghanistan is tremendously poor, landlocked, and exceedingly reliant on foreign aid, farming, and trade with neighboring countries. A great deal of the population continues to suffer from shortages of housing, sanitary water, electricity, medical care, and employment. The Afghan government and international donors remain committed to improving access to these basic necessities by prioritizing infrastructure development, education, housing development, employment programs, and economic reform. Emergent political stability and continued international commitment to Afghan reconstruction facilitate in creating an optimistic outlook for maintaining improvements in the Afghan economy prospectively.
Areas of Consensus/Disagreement:
In order to have democracy, one must first excel in stability, freedom and equality. Afghanistan has been struggling continually and several countries have been trying to improve the country as a whole. Although other states have been operating to recuperate the stability of Afghanistan the moment in time has come for a sovereign Afghan government. An additional predicament in Afghanistan is the drug trade. The drug industry has produced a number of jobs for the population. There should be a greater enfaces on the safety of the people and an increase in the agricultural development of Afghanistan. This is essential for economic expansion until a replacement is established to eliminate the drug trade.
Response to eDiscussion Question:
Following vigilant consideration there is no alternative but to support the department of Foreign Affairs approach in Afghanistan. Canada supports applying undemocratic modes of rule in the medium-term in the interests of long-term stability and democracy.
For the duration of 1990-2004 the government of Canada has invested 300 million dollars in Afghanistan and has promised another 250 million over the next year. This financial assistance has helped Afghanistan’s progression toward stability, equality, appropriate healthcare and education and draws closer towards democracy. Canada continues to believe that a democratic Afghanistan is the best long term solution for the abundant difficulties facing the people. While latest efforts towards democracy through recent elections have demonstrated unstable, democratic institutions are based on evolutionary advancement and take time to come into suitable realities. Canada will persist to support Afghanistan in its efforts to promote democracy. As democracy progresses in Afghanistan the economy will develop and it shall undergo the benefit effects of renewed trade in a global world. Afghans are proud people and will take responsibility for beneficial changes to their country with the continued aid of Canada and the international community. Policy Recommendations:
Need for Democratic Responsible Government – the Afghans who have invested an interest in the stability of Afghanistan’s responsible government and who have been forced to flee by the Taliban regime should come back and govern their fellow people. This will be an advantage since they are already from Afghanistan and the people will respect and have someone to trust. Democracy and freedom do not necessarily mean Canada’s style will be practical and suitable for Afghans. Canada has to take into consideration the culture, religion and the history of the people to find the best form of a suitable government.
Need for Security and Control - In Afghanistan the security situation is not completely under control. Canada has been working to de-mine the earth and has collected 9000 heavy weapons from around the country. Closer co-operation is needed between the Government of Afghanistan and NATO forces, in combating the Taliban threat. Canada and NATO have to work with the Government of Afghanistan to restore confidence. They have to build an effective national force to assist the international community and generate stability to control the country. In addition, we should help the people take control of their lives, not control of them. We may possibly invest a lot of money trying to assist in the people taking control of their lives but in ending they may team up with the Taliban forces against Canada and kick us out. Back to square one. We have to be culture responsive. Enforce Economic Growth - the country must be stable. In order to become stable Afghanistan needs to eliminate their corrupt ruling parties. In addition, there needs to be an establishment of employment. This can be done through foreign investment, agricultural development, and encouragement for investment into rebuilding the nation’s infrastructure with the emphasis on employing the local Afghan population. This will encourage the elimination of drug trade. Wise Spending – It is important to invest Canada’s hard earned tax paying dollars in a foreign country if the outcome is truly beneficial and if there is fixed goals that are feasible while using our resources effectively. Canada should participate within our budget and capacity. Canadian Citizens need know that in the future sufficient amounts of taxpaying dollars will be available for a potential crisis. Canada can collaborate along with the international community to separate financial responsibilities and commitments fairly. Future Stability - It is important the actions of the Canadian Government and the International community be a proper basis for future prosperity of the people and the nation of Afghanistan. It is essential that historical patterns do not resurface in Afghanistan and that the country will progress their concepts of freedom and equality. |
