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Despite the impending military withdrawal, many donors, including the US and Canada,
have pledged long-term assistance to Afghanistan.
“NATO re-affirms its long-term commitment to a sovereign, independent, democratic,
secure and stable Afghanistan that will never again be a safe haven for terrorists and
terrorism, and to a better future for the Afghan people,” said a declaration signed by
President Hamid Karzai and NATO’s Secretary-General on 20 November.
Many Afghans are somewhat sceptical. “We know from our experience that the
international community will have little interest in poverty alleviation, human rights and
development after their military forces withdraw,” said Shukria Barakzai, Member of
Parliament.
Before 2001, when the world economy was booming, Afghanistan - severely affected by
over three decades of war and ranked the least developed country in Asia - received
hardly any meaningful foreign development support.
In the past nine years the country has topped the list of many donor countries but has
scarcely improved its position among the world’s least developed nations.
A drastic reduction in foreign aid would not only jeopardize Afghanistan’s modest
progress during that time, but could also cause disruptions and setbacks in various
critical areas. “The consequences could be disastrous,” said Oxfam’s Jackson.
As NATO forces begin transferring responsibility to Afghans in 2011, the global economic
situation presents another challenge to post-NATO Afghanistan: attracting aid and
investment.
Aid or business?
More than US$40 billion has been disbursed on development projects by UN agencies,
NGOs, international military actors and Afghan government bodies since 2002, according
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