Democracy’s Failure in Pakistan and then Afghanistan

Why did the United States fail to change hearts and minds in Afghanistan?  Why, after 20 years of war, did the country promptly return to Taliban control?  By a study of neighboring Pakistan, we may appreciate how intertwined the destinies of these two countries are.  Pakistan is populous and comparatively rich (247 million people, GDP $1.26 trillion), and its neighbor Afghanistan more mountainous and poor (39 million people, GDP $60 Billion.)  Both are overwhelmingly Sunni and afflicted by a none-too-democratic understanding of Islam.  Benazir Bhutto once offered a glimpse of a more democratic Muslim ideal.  One might say of her that she had the right message, but was she the right messenger?  All conflicts are resolved by words and swords; preferably by words.  When they fail to convince, swords are invariably drawn.  A study of the failure to convert Afghanistan must lead us to understand its neighbor Pakistan.  All Americans should feel concerned that the 20-year legacy of war following 9/11 in many ways is still unresolved.