This is an auspicious day for Afghanistan, as a new transitional government takes up office and a United Nations endorsed international stabilisation force assembles in the streets of Kabul to protect it. After the traumatic events since September 11th it is a relief d to have the military campaign against the Taliban regime completed, even if United States troops continue their search for Osama bin Laden and his al-Qaeda organisation in the Tora Bora mountains. The new government faces the task of creating political cohesion and tackling reconstruction and humanitarian relief, but seems assured of the international aid required to make that feasible.
The potential contradiction between nation-building and the continuing search for terrorist suspects was vividly illustrated by reports last night that the US may have bombed a convoy of tribal elders making their way to the Kabul ceremony, mistaking them for al-Qaeda leaders. At this writing it is not known precisely what happened. But such casualties help to explain the tensions involved in assembling the multinational force, in which Europeans are strongly represented, and deciding who should be in ultimate command of it. The UN Security Council decided the US would have the final say in commanding it, in case it is necessary to rescue anyone who gets caught up in fighting with Afghan warlords.
A great deal will depend on how rapidly the new administration asserts control and stabilises its position. Governments committing troops are reluctant to agree a long-term mandate and insist the force will have well-defined roles in Kabul to support the transitional government. The limited numbers involved permit of little else. If all goes relatively well a more long term peacekeeping force could be agreed in late spring next year. In the meantime the force's legitimacy is amply reflected in its unanimous approval by the Security Council.
That consensus would be severely tested if the United States sets out to extend its anti-terrorism campaign against other states, now that its air power has proved so militarily effective in Afghanistan. There are persistent and disquieting reports that Iraq, Somalia, Malaysia and the Philippines have been identified by US authorities as harbouring al-Qaeda networks and might therefore become military targets. This would put the international coalition supporting the US action in Afghanistan at real risk, without the most convincing evidence of their involvement being made available. It is difficult indeed to foresee circumstances in which the Security Council would approve such a broadening out of the campaign, despite its acceptance of the US right to self-defence.
Afghanistan deserves the opportunity to reorganise its administration and undertake elementary redevelopment in the months to come, after three decades of conflict. The interim administration, composed of former fighters, exiled technocrats and a number of capable women ministers, has a daunting task ahead of it. It deserves not only goodwill but solidarity from the rest of the world.