There are a number of challenges facing Afghanistan on the road to nation-building. Years of fighting and the spread of extremism has torn the country apart and has badly damaged its social fabric. Nevertheless, there are still opportunities for the country to move forward and fulfil the needs of its people. Amidst a variety of setbacks and the general negative climate in Afghanistan, there is always a ray of hope for the people.
The United Nations last week released positive numbers on one aspect in the country. The number of Afghan civilian casualties has fallen for the first time in five years. Accordingly, the number has dropped by 15 per cent in the first half of the year.
“This is the first time we have seen a sustained decline in civilian casualties, which actually reverses a sustained five year trend of increasing of civilian casualties,” UN human rights official James Rodehaver said.
The percentage translates into a total of 1,145 Afghan civilians losing their lives, mostly in Taliban and other insurgent attacks. In addition, the number of those wounded was 1,954.
No doubt, the decrease in the number of civilian casualties is always welcome. It is also a sign that the spread of violence which dominated the scene a year earlier has witnessed a change. But the fact remains that these casualties have been the result of Taliban and insurgent attacks — an indication of the strength of the group and its pressure on the course of events in the country. Against the drop in civilian casualties, Nato has reported a 11 per cent increase in insurgent attacks over the past three months.
As the US-led Nato troops numbering 130,000 prepare to withdraw from Afghanistan, it is important for the country’s leadership to clearly define the next steps that will ensure stability. Without such an assurance, prospects for rebuilding the nation are dim and the country would continue to be hostage to violence and instability.