Stay the Course in Afghanistan

George F. Will's Sept. 1 op-ed column, "Time to Get out of Afghanistan," was simplistic in its analysis and recommendations.

Any discussion of Afghanistan's major democratic achievements was missing. The latest polls show overwhelming popular trust in the democratic process -- a signal to the international community that the Afghan people are optimistic about the future, support human rights and the rule of law, denounce extremist elements, and demand a future with democracy rather than militant extremism. This is despite the fact that the United States and Afghanistan's other international partners have yet to commit seriously to the nation-building task.

Indeed, seven years of the George W. Bush administration shortchanged the rebuilding of Afghanistan because of the priorities of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Obama administration has taken the appropriate steps to restore hope in Afghanistan; President Obama must be supported by Congress and the American people because, as the imminent anniversary of the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001, reminds us, success in Afghanistan serves America's own national security interests.

As for securing Afghanistan, no smart-missile attacks can substitute for boots on the ground. The United States knows from present experience, as well as from the failed Operation Infinite Reach by the Bill Clinton administration in 1998, that the Taliban and al-Qaeda cannot be defeated remotely.

M. ASHRAF HAIDARI

Political Counselor

Embassy of Afghanistan

Washington