37. The Kabul Conference - 20/July/2010

The day is finally here. All the anticipation, the preparations, the security precautions, the debates leading up to the Kabul Conference have been unprecendented in Afghanistan. It's by far the largest gathering of foreign diplomats inside Afghanistan in a very long time. Over 70 nations have sent their representatives to participate in this historic conferences where topics regarding the future of Afghanistan will be discussed. 

There has been a lot of criticism from many that Afghanistan is not ready for such a gathering and that the Government is being reckless in endangering the security of the people of Kabul by bringing together such a high profile group of delegates. The city has been practically shut down and everyone has been on lock down for the last two days. But as I sit here glued to the TV along with every other Afghan in the country and watch the delegates walk down the red carpet lined with Afghan children in traditional clothing waving their Afghan flags, and I see all the diverse delegates in their traditional clothes representing their nations, I can't help but feel proud of this accomplishment. 

Yes, this is a dangerous risk but for how long can we just sit back and be the victims? If the government does nothing, they get criticized and if they do something like this, they also get criticized. I don't know what the day holds and I pray to God that this conference comes to a close peacefully and with all it's goals met. But in all the time I have been in Afghanistan, I don't remember a day where I have felt as proud as I do today. Afghanistan is a growing player in today's world and it's high time, that it deserves the respect and acknowledgement of its accomplishments over the last 8 years as well as attention and commitment to dealing with the issues that threaten the progress and lasting peace this nation needs. And finally, I hope this day symbolizes the committment by the Afghan Government to end corruption and take responsibility in repairing Afghanistan as well as a commitment from the world that they will uphold their promises to help the effort. 

"A conference about Afghanistan, for Afghanistan, held in Afghanistan, organized by the Afghan Government for the Afghan people." -- Ban Ki-moon, the United Nations Secretary General