Stardate 20011123.1802 (On Screen): The biggest problem in Afghanistan is figuring out what the new government there should be. The danger to that process is that all the warlords who have regained power over areas they controlled before the Taliban took power may be unwilling to again cede power to the new government. And chief among those who might have caused trouble was Rabbani, the former President of Afghanistan during the period of 1993-1996. So it's very encouraging to hear that Rabbani has announced that he will not try to hold onto power and will let the meeting next week in Bonn decide who should run the nation. Let's hope the other warlords follow his example. This is an indication that a great deal of behind-the-scenes diplomacy is going on in preparation for next week's meeting. I'm beginning to become optimistic about it.
(discuss)
