MANILA -- The international donor community and the Afghan government will meet in Berlin later this week to discuss strategies and funding for the future development of Afghanistan. It will be one of the most important international events of 2004, with implications reaching far beyond Afghan borders.
The impact on Afghanistan is obvious. The country remains shattered by decades of war. Every physical element necessary for economic growth -- its roads, bridges, air transport, electric power, oil and gas distribution systems, irrigation networks, telecommunications, health, education and urban services -- is in shambles.
The government's attitude and actions over the past two years prove Afghanistan is capable of and committed to building a viable nation that can create opportunities for its people.