Governance and the Taliban

Americans believe that they govern their own nation. That is true because of the way our Constitution created the governing structure for a representative polity elected by voters. I will ignore that not all citizens vote, so representation is not an accurate reflection of all the people of the land. Add to those efforts by state legislatures to bar many of their voting rights. Also, please add the effect of doing too little to solve major social problems that naturally cause under voting among the so afflicted.

To the extent a representative government is placed in our hallowed halls of government and justice, let us ponder for a moment the weight and demand of governing. It centers on the ability to make policy that fairly embraces the best for all the people of the nation. Discerning what is involved is a miracle of logic, experience, empathy, social sciences, and science. Throw in a healthy dose of ethics drawn from long years of theological thought and philosophy, and we have a governing apparatus that might just do well.

We shall ignore for the moment that our Congress has been mainly incapable of deciding major issues in a timely manner for at least 50 years. America’s form of government is not without its problems.

But now let us imagine the task ahead for the Taliban in Afghanistan. Here are specific challenges they have on their to do list at this very moment:

1.       Gain control over warring factions spread out throughout the land

2.       Take control of a wobbly economic system and bring about stability and growth

3.       Gather a needed labor force within the population to do the jobs required to run an economy that will bring a higher standard of living to all

4.       Develop and deliver educational programs that support strengthening the nation

5.       Provide a stable supply of needed consumer goods: water, electricity, technology, food and medical care

6.       Build and maintain a reliable infrastructure: roads, bridges, water and sewer systems, education standards, food and health safety standards, and so much more

7.       Create and operate a justice system that stabilizes expectations of fairness and equality among all its people

8.       Do all of the above so it unites a diverse people and brings strength and resolve to the region.

Defending its territory is not the largest challenge facing the Taliban. Governing its nation is The challenge.

This will take resources: money, experience, planning, knowledge, help from others and collaborative teamwork. One wonders if such is readily available to the Taliban or even if they know how to make good use of them. Time shall witness how well they do.

Creating a self-sustaining social order is more complex than words and exhortations. Or military equipment and ammo.

September 10, 2021