The many sides of global efforts in Afghanistan

The international conference on the Afghanistan issue held in The Hague, the Netherlands, at the end of last month was closely watched for its outcome since it was right after US President Barack Obama announced his new Afghanistan-Pakistan policy.

The conference achieved a consensus on four issues. First, the deteriorating security and delayed reconstruction in Afghanistan were recognized as a common challenge to the international community. Hence the stakeholders should coordinate their efforts for fostering long-term stability and prosperity in Afghanistan.

Second, endorsement of the four targets that stand out in international aid: enhancing capacity for governance, kick-starting economic development, addressing security concerns, and strengthening regional cooperation.