In Afghanistan, a critical year of transition has begun. Afghans will elect a successor to longtime President Hamid Karzai in April, months ahead of the anticipated drawdown of NATO troops.
More than 12 years into the Afghan reconstruction effort, foreign aid donors insist that they remain committed to Afghanistan’s development for the long-haul.
“The success of the political transition is essential. But make no mistake — it’s not enough,” U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said in November. “That’s why the United States firmly supports and will continue to support an Afghan-led peace and reconciliation effort as the surest way to end the violence and bring lasting stability to Afghanistan and the region.”