For unity in Afghanistan

BY ROSALIE E. DUNBAR, NEWS EDITOR

AT THIS WRITING, Afghanistan's future is very much in the news. Its leader, Hamid Karzai, has agreed to participate in a run-off with his rival Abdullah Abdullah. But the approach of winter may make voting impossible for those who live in the high mountain passes. This may delay that process or lead to a power-sharing agreement with Mr. Abdullah. Also, it's still not clear whether US President Barack Obama will decide on sending more troops to Afghanistan or how that will affect the war.

Surveys show that Americans' support for the war has fallen, and some experts argue that it can't be won. Charges of corruption in the election and elsewhere in government have cast doubt on President Karzai's ability to lead. Pundits claim that Afghans are so discouraged and cynical that even if a run-off election is held, it won't make a difference.

For those of us who are accustomed to thinking in terms of centralized governments and a mostly united citizenry, the situation may seem baffling. But outside urban areas in Afghanistan, much of the authority is in the hands of local strongmen who aren't necessarily beholden to the government.

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