Worried by how Afghanistan will survive after troops’ withdrawal, donor countries at the Tokyo Conference have pledged $16 billion in civilian aid through 2015. The pledge has been tied to several strict conditions such as elimination of corruption, growth of democracy, transparent elections, human rights and rule of law. Hence it seems quite ambitious an undertaking. Since the country is facing a war and grappling at the same time with home grown militancy, it is unclear how it would undergo the changes that the donors have stipulated and that too in a couple of years time. In fact how rapidly the commitment of the world community is waning is obvious from the present quantum of aid that has drastically reduced. Given these indicators, it is most probable that these powers will lose their interest once their militaries pull out.
That the Afghan infrastructure, largely government and civilian buildings and road network remain in ruins is a poor reflection on how the aid largesse is being used. One does not know who to blame more, the Karzai setup or the international powers. The main challenge is to bring peace to the war-torn country while simultaneously enabling its economy to sustain itself in the years to come. It is highly important that the world powers stay committed to helping the country get back on its feet.