On Thursday, Afghanistan will hold the second presidential election in the country's history. While every election in Afghanistan is a reason to celebrate, the mood surrounding this vote will not match that of the country's first ballot, held five years ago.

That's because there is a fear that the country is losing its way, that the Taliban are resurgent and that the government in Kabul is unable to stop them. Another successful vote in Afghanistan will be an important step forward in the country's development, but it is only a part of a much larger process — the creation of a safe and stable society, a competent government and a growing economy. All are in short supply.

It has been a rough five years for Afghan President Hamid Karzai. Against high odds, he emerged as the country's leader after the United States drove the Taliban from power in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks. While Mr. Karzai's ascendance was primarily a result of his being a Pashtun, a member of the country's largest ethnic group, he also proved to be a consummate deal maker, and was able to win support from the warlords and tribal leaders who exercise real power in Afghanistan.