A Discussion on Local Governance in Afghanistan

In yesterday’s New York Times, Ms. Carlotta Gall wrote an article in which she explains

"Local governance is the buzzword on everyone’s lips...The lack of it is souring Afghans and diplomats on the government of President Hamid Karzai and raising real concerns about its ability to battle the Taliban insurgents who feed on local dissatisfaction."

It is encouraging that NATO and Afghan officials are beginning to recognize the long term stability derived from efficient local governance. There is however a disconnect between this realization and the improvements felt by the Afghan people. Over the past year, government and NGO programs are showing some signs of progress, such as the creation of the Independent Directorate of Local Governance, but major advancements need to be made, and rapidly, in order to make any tangible progress. There are currently eleven “priority provinces,” where the “breakdown of security are the most threatening.” Fighting the Taliban while improving security and governance is a very complicated task, but if it remains a national priority to strengthen local governance, these programs will have the opportunity to mature and gain the trust of the Afghan people.  Last March the PCR Project's, "Breaking Point: Measuring Progress in Afghanistan," said

“The central government’s institutional and human capacity has improved, but its legitimacy has deteriorated. Subnational government structures still lack capacity. In their place, militia commanders and local mafias have filled the void, undermining local governance, democratic rights, and service delivery."