A 'Marshall Plan' for Afghanistan

[SQ8]

As I stated above, I don't know much about economic affairs. My guess would be to use surplus agriculture and construction material from Pakistan to at least start helping and to have Pashto speaking Pakistani technocrats fill critical gaps in the Afghan service industry.
BTW, Afghanistan may be mostly barren but it is also a relatively empty country for its geographic area and also has large rivers. Afghanistan should be more than mining.

Pakistan wants a Mexico without the open border - until that exact situation is guaranteed I don’t think much will change.

 

[cloud4000]

A 'Marshall Plan for Afghanistan': That's what I have been thinking about lately though there are other forum members who are far more knowledgable on economy than me.

I tend to think Pakistan has enough reserves of food and construction material to try to stabilize Afghanistan and prevent famines and make mobility possible. Pakistan also probably has tens of thousands of educated and unemployed youths who could be employed in Afghanistan; Pashto speaking ones would be an asset.

With or without foreign aid, it is in Pakistan's interests to have a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan. If you look into Pakistan's history then you would notice that the Pakistan before 1979 was a 'normal' country compared with what Pakistan became after that and most of that had to do with the events in Afghanistan.

Other forum members are welcome to contribute on how Pakistan can help Afghanistan and its people.

Pakistan can only do so much and only for the short term. Pakistan has its own economic issues to deal with without adding the problems of another country. if there’s to be a Marshall Plan for Afghanistan, it should be from members of OIC countries.

 

[VCheng]

The government of Pakistan is right to suggest a "Marshall Plan" for Afghanistan because the country is clearly overwhelmingly dependent on aid and grants in order to survive.

In summary, Pakistan wants to be the manager of another gravy train into the region. Nice work, if they get it.

 

[FuturePAF]

Who will pay for the reconstruction this time? I doubt that the NATO countries would offer more than refugee resettlement. Besides, countries that offer aid typically insists that their own companies are responsible for the actual work.

China can offer payments for mined resources. This is the only option that I can think of.

Qatar might be a great partner in rebuild, probably the best from a political point of view. A potential investor in Lithium mining. A good way for them to diversify their economy considering the push for EVs. They have Cache amongst the Taliban and as Islamic country that is not a neighbor they know the interest is limited to what is agreed upon. Qataris would make excellent investors. They can also afford to pay for security around the mines, by supporting the government within that scope, defensive arms to protect against bandits, nothing offensive. They can also help facilitate international travel of Afghans by partnering with local airlines, and working with the two largest neighbors of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran, which the Qataris have good relations with.

Qatar could start (if they so choose) with a program to just get people to work rebuilding the nations agriculture, by rehabilitating canals and building new one. Building small and medium sized dams, and bringing in modern agricultural technologies, so boost productivity, which they could export with some of the profits going back to Qatar, so it would be an investment as well as Aid. A lot of marginal land could be brought into productive use, hopefully minimizing the risk of a massive migration exodus, boosting Qatar’s international influence even further.

In the immediate terms, the most influence will go to the nations that provide the most food and medical aid.

 

[FuturePAF]

I think the Taliban are like the North Korea govt: Would want to cooperate with other countries but would not compromise a lot on their core issues.

Qatar is best placed to get the best economic deals with the Taliban considering the facilitation Qatar provided and still does. Qatar also has influence in western countries and its Islamic credentials make it a better partner the Taliban can market to the populace.

 

[El Sidd]

The government of Pakistan is right to suggest a "Marshall Plan" for Afghanistan because the country is clearly overwhelmingly dependent on aid and grants in order to survive.

This is stupidity of highest order.

Pakistan has no right to suggest any plan for anyone.

Government of Pakistan is advised to not exceed the mandate handed to them through hard engineered populist vote

 

[Genghis khan1]

US Deep state has different plans for Afghanistan.

US Senator Lindsey Graham: 'We will be going back into Afghanistan' https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-58456953

 

[Meengla]

US Deep state has different plans for Afghanistan.

US Senator Lindsey Graham: 'We will be going back into Afghanistan' https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-58456953

Afghanistan is not Iraq. Afghanistan has very powerful neighbors--multiple nuclear states.

Whatever is coming out of the American media SHOULD be filtered through the domestic political opportunism until at least the 2022 elections... What L. Graham is saying right now probably would be said by N. Pelosi if there was a Republican President at the helm. Pakistanis talk about Nawaz Sharif as traitor?? Buddy: You have not seen the opportunism here yet!

America is being eaten from inside out from the ideological and political opportunism. I can see it. And I am very sad about it. My hope is that the neo-isolationism which was started by Trump, and being proposed by Biden, carries forward. Let the $ussy Europeans fend for themselves: They joined wars for war-profiteering and for trade benefits and now THEY should shoulder the consequences for hugging the Islamic World from the Western shores of Africa to Afghanistan.

 

[CrazyZ]

Taliban must focus on economic development this time. Peace and security is the first step. Trade, manufacturing, and regional cooperation/integration are the next step. Relaying on foreign aid will only lead to corruption and dysfunction (previous regime was clear example). Most Pathans I knew in Lahore where industrious and hardworking. They will get through this, IMO.

 

[Genghis khan1]

Afghanistan is not Iraq. Afghanistan has very powerful neighbors--multiple nuclear states.

Whatever is coming out of the American media SHOULD be filtered through the domestic political opportunism until at least the 2022 elections... What L. Graham is saying right now probably would be said by N. Pelosi if there was a Republican President at the helm. Pakistanis talk about Nawaz Sharif as traitor?? Buddy: You have not seen the opportunism here yet!

America is being eaten from inside out from the ideological and political opportunism. I can see it. And I am very sad about it. My hope is that the neo-isolationism which was started by Trump, and being proposed by Biden, carries forward. Let the $ussy Europeans fend for themselves: They joined wars for war-profiteering and for trade benefits and now THEY should shoulder the consequences for hugging the Islamic World from the Western shores of Africa to Afghanistan.

Let see how many of these Nuclear power state are willing to bankroll next Afghan govt. Najibullah communist govt survived until Soviet bankroll them, after their withdrawal. Similarly , Ghani govt was able to pay salaries because it was bankrolled by US. Russians are financially stretched and Chinese usually Don’t jump in unless they are making money.

L. Graham is no ordinary politician. He is the face of deep state. He speaks the mind of deep state, regardless of party or President in office.

 

[lamdacore]

This is the best time for regional powers to demonstrate how to help a fellow neighbour stand up on its feet after 40+ years of war. This is going to be a massive win for all players if they play their cards right.

Russia & China - They need to be involved and they most likely will because they need to stick it to the western world and burn them with their colossal failure in Afghanistan. Considering they have a close relationship with Pakistan and Iran, couple that with their global standing gives them a unique opportunity to help fix Afghanistan and show the world what their ideology can deliver which the western world could not. They will jump on just when things are smoothed out with Pakistan's help. Their involvement will spur the western world to remain engaged and the USAID would jump up and down as Afghanistan gets absorbed in the belt and road initiative from China. Russia, unlike the US, may come in handy and get the old soviet kit running again, if possible, for the new Afghan armed forces. That can give it a new foothold and help build industries along with China to help develop the Afghan economy.

Iran - They clearly need friends in tough neighbourhood. The sanctions have clearly crippled Iran and by accepting Taliban as the de facto ruler of Afghanistan, it would come closer to Pakistan and China. The Chabahar port which saw Indians being evicted can greatly benefit from the belt and road initiative giving Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, and Central Asian states the necessary oil and power and in return Iran gets to keep its economy afloat and independent of Western sanctions.

Qatar & Turkey - In the Islamic world, this is probably a great time to for these two to show how useless the rest of the GCC are and how much in bed they are with the zionists. This is a direct challenge to Saudi domination of being the representatives of the Sunni world and a creation of an alternate Sunni bloc that is comfortable in dealing with Iran. This is why we are seeing, first hand, the technical expertise being extended to the Taliban in getting key services operational such as the Kabul International Airport. Qatar can give Afghanistan a much needed lifeline and Turkey may be able to bring into operation some of the US made military gear owing to its experience in operating similar equipment. There might be chance that Indonesia and Malaysia may tow the line and give recognition to the Taliban government. Qatar, can also help steer the Taliban religious ulema and help guide them in dealing with the sensitivities of their population and help identify a balance between sharia and a modern emirate.

Pakistan - Needless to say, has the most at stake with a favourable outcome in Afghanistan. Its strategic policy will be validated because it has protected its backyard from the aggression of a superpower and this explains that it can hold out for a long time against such an adversary. But, rather than keep brewing hatred and war in Afghanistan, its time there was peace because this is what is needed to motivate the refugees to leave Pakistan. Pakistan should be strongly involved in setting up the institutions in Afghan government and help the population. Pakistan is also the main orchestrator in getting the other regional powers onboard so as to help Afghanistan and benefit from the fallout of US and its allies failures over the twenty years. Pakistan, once the terrorist threats from ISIL-K, BLA, TTP etc. is solved, Pakistan will have to nurture and train a Pakistan friendly population. So, perhaps, Afghans seeking higher education may get a quota in Pakistani universities. Likewise, Afghans can be a preferred trading partner to help revitalise business. Lets not forget the Afghan cadets and office core that will be built from a new army that is Pakistan friendly. At some point, the fence on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border may just be cosmetic. Pakistan needs to dispel with the anti-Pakistan sentiments as the Afghan population is horribly brainwashed.

But this is not without challenges:

1) There will remain elements in Afghanistan that will always be anti Taliban and the Taliban will have to be silent to give them that voice to have an inclusive government.

2) Russia and China will be keen to see how the Taliban function and do not want to recognise them at a wrong time when the global perception of t the Taliban is negative. They would want to see acceptable (not ideal) laws and its practice to the extent that large population of Afghans do not oppose them nor does it make the international community sick of their practices.

3) The US, India and their allies will definitely try to cause mischieve and block IEA on different global platforms where they dominate. This will need to be carefully checked and tackled tactfully.

4) And many more that will make this journey a difficult one. They will show their head in due time.

 

[FuturePAF]

Taliban must focus on economic development this time. Peace and security is the first step. Trade, manufacturing, and regional cooperation/integration are the next step. Relaying on foreign aid will only lead to corruption and dysfunction (previous regime was clear example). Most Pathans I knew in Lahore where industrious and hardworking. They will get through this, IMO.

Also, they need to rebuild their agricultural sector, Afghanistan use to be able to feed itself without imports. It should be able to do so again.

 

[ARMalik]

A 'Marshall Plan' for Afghanistan

05 Sep 2021

The government of Pakistan is right to suggest a "Marshall Plan" for Afghanistan because the country is clearly overwhelmingly dependent on aid and grants in order to survive. But the best Islamabad can do is suggest and lobby for such funding because only the rich countries of the world can be of any help in this matter. Their active participation also acts as a green light for the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) that have the kind of ready money that Afghanistan is in desperate need of at this moment. Therefore, the Americans couldn't have done any worse than pull the plug on Afghan funding after the return of the Taliban and also freeze Afghan central bank's assets abroad, because such measures hurt the man on the street more than anybody in any position of power in the capital.

It is also very wrong to assume that Afghan survival and reconstruction are strictly Afghanistan's problems and they will have to learn to stand on their own two feet. That is because as we have seen in the past, when these people are pushed against the wall, they are forced to resort to poppy cultivation, which brings windfall profits to their farmers and helps stabilise the economy, and a lot of people also become what has become known over the years as 'accidental terrorists' - those who are driven by circumstance and desperation to vent their anger on others. And since both the poppy and the terrorism can reach other shores rather easily, it is very much everybody's problem that Afghanistan has once again been left in the lurch when it does not have the capacity to handle its own financial affairs.

One would have thought that the experience of the 1980s and 1990s had taught important lessons to everybody. If the Americans hadn't left in such a hurry after the Soviets retreated, Afghanistan would never have descended into the extremist safe haven that it became and the mujahideen of the good war would never have mutated into hundreds of militant outfits that have now spread all over the world. Of course the Americans had won then, although indirectly, and have squarely lost this time no matter how you look at it, but each time Afghanistan was left a ruin ready to be exploited by its powerful warlords. And just as al Qaeda was in many ways a product of the previous Afghan war, extremist groups like the so-called Islamic State (IS) are a byproduct of this war against terrorism.

So it is in the interest of the whole world to prevent another civil war in Afghanistan. It matters more to Pakistan than anybody else, of course, because more violence there means more TTP attacks here and also more refugees; on top of the millions that we've been hosting for decades. The first order of business, therefore, should be to pump enough money into the country to get people there busy with its reconstruction. That ought to keep them away from drug cultivation and not leave too many people disgruntled to consider a career in suicide terrorism.

Yet none of that will be possible without what should really be a "Marshall Plan" for Afghanistan. The world's richest and more powerful countries are responsible for reducing countries like Afghanistan, Syria, Libya and Iraq to rubble and their people's lives to utter misery. They must now cough up most of the cash needed to make things right again. That is also, quite realistically, all that they are relevant for as things move on, especially in this region. Because it will be a long time before anybody will open the door for them to come masquerading as democracy-spreading, terrorist-busting liberators in this area again.


Copyright Business Recorder, 2021

A 'Marshall Plan' for Afghanistan

EDITORIAL: The government of Pakistan is right to suggest a "Marshall Plan" for Afghanistan because the country is...

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Why don't idiots in Pakistan suggest a 'Marshal Plan' for Pakistan??

 

[rambro]

Duh west has been nation building Afghanistan for 20 yrs, Why would they need such plan?

 

[VCheng]

Why don't idiots in Pakistan suggest a 'Marshal Plan' for Pakistan??

They have, to make up for the 70,000 lives and $150 billion in losses claimed to be due to the WoT. Multiple times. No traction thus far, sadly.