News Release

September 24, 2003

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Ending Terrorism Is the Goal in Afghanistan--Not Nation Building
Extended U.S. presence in the country could foment terrorism

WASHINGTON -- Although many policy makers are calling for nation building in Afghanistan, similar past efforts have failed. Instead, the United States should focus on eliminating the terrorists and their support - infrastructure that still targets Afghanistan, and should not divert resources to meddle in the country's civil affairs, according to a new Cato Institute study.

Attempts to dictate social, political, and economic conditions in the country will stimulate anti-American sentiment prove to be counterproductive, argues foreign affairs analyst Subodh Atal in "At a Crossroads in Afghanistan: Should the United States Be Engaged in Nation Building?"

"If the United States becomes more involved in Afghan civilian affairs, American interests will inevitably clash with those of one or more of the regional players . . . in the country," Atal writes. "Rather than keep forces in Afghanistan for the long term, the United States should accelerate operations aimed at eliminating the anti-U.S. forces now massing along the Afghan-Pakistan border but should otherwise avoid getting mired in a renewal of the so-called Great Game."

Afghanistan has been torn by ethnic divisions and strife for decades, a substantial portion of the country remains under the grip of insurgents, and warlords are fighting with each other and have little respect for Afghan President Hamid Karzai. Conditions are extremely unfavorable for supporting nation building, according to Atal. Further, given Afghanistan's history of having been victimized by external interference, American meddling in the country's affairs could have unintended consequences.

"The longer the United States and other foreign governments remain in Afghanistan, the greater the likelihood that their efforts -- notwithstanding their noble intentions -- will be seen as an attempt to subvert the will of the Afghan people," Atal asserts. "An extended American presence, therefore, will create an atmosphere conducive to supporting the very terrorist elements that presence is intended to eliminate."