Discussion Session with Dr. Ragin Dadfar Spanta

A luncheon discussion with former Afghan foreign minister Spanta provided a great opportunity to discuss the results of the Afghanistan conference held in London at the end of January and to learn more and at first hand about the internal workings of the country at the foot of the Hindu Kush. The diplomatic adviser of President Karzai was concerned to offset negative reports about drugs, corruption and terrorism by pointing to some positive developments. The issues in the wake of the London conference were the swift transfer of responsibilities in the security sphere to the Afghan authorities, economic growth, the improvement of the social services, good governance and regional cooperation. Spanta emphasized that the goal of reconciliation and the reintegration of the Taliban and their sympathizers could not be achieved at any price. The recognition of the constitution, which prescribes respect for human rights (including gender equality) would continue to be the dividing line. In the ensuing discussion Spanta conceded that a large number of insurgents were currently fighting against the country’s basic democratic order and would find it difficult to show respect for the constitution. However, the outstretched hand was attractive for all those among the frequently young fellow travellers who as a result of economic distress or dissatisfaction with what the state had to offer were fighting against the government. Spanta was clearly trying to dispel the impression that Kabul was acting from a position of weakness by trying to meet the Taliban halfway. In fact there was a moral and political duty to reintegrate these people into society. Furthermore, Spanta asked people to show some understanding for the fact that in a country which for 30 years had known only war and invasion the battle against corruption could not be won by simply pressing a button. Afghanistan still needed financial support from the international community in order to be able to give people more than what the Taliban or the warlords within the country had to offer.

This report was written by Munich Young Leader Matthias Lüttenberg, Federal Foreign Office, Berlin.

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