OPEN LETTER TO OXFAM, THE CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF THE PRESIDENCY, THE ATLANTIC COUNCIL, and THE NATIONAL DEFENSE UNIVERSITY.

We welcome your contribution to the debate on the future of Afghanistan. Beyond the headlines it created we agree with much of the analysis and find common ground with a number of the solutions proposed. These resonate strongly with the government’s own strategy, announced in December.

Like you, we are in no doubt as to the moral and strategic obligations towards Afghanistan; a country blighted by decades of conflict that has claimed over 2 million lives. The Taliban continues to threaten to draw the country back into a state where women were stoned, teachers beheaded and the rights of children neglected.

It is also in our national interest to be in Afghanistan. We cannot afford the country once again to become a base for international terrorism.

The international community’s message to the Afghan government is a strong one – we remain united and we are committed to working hand-in-hand with the Afghan government and the Afghan people – we need their understanding and commitment to a cause which is seeing huge financial and military efforts, and above all, the sacrifice of men and women, military and civilian.

A stable and secure Afghanistan is vital for the stability and economic development of the region and for security on our own doorstep. Military force is only part of the solution. It is helping to build the security conditions which allow reconstruction and development to take place.

It is not correct to say that NATO has failed in Afghanistan, or that the commitments made by the international community two years ago have not been met. There has been considerable progress – not just in social and economic terms – but also in achieving security in some of the most challenging environments. The Taliban are no longer seen as a credible alternative. 4 out of 6 million refugees have returned. 65% of the population now have access to medical care. Infant mortality rates are down; the economy has tripled in size.

At the same time we would be first to acknowledge that this progress has been relatively slow, and that the gains made can be undermined by ongoing insecurity in parts of the country. In fact, as noted in a couple of the reports published last week, the security situation is relatively stable although much more needs to be done.

The international community is fully aware of the challenges the Afghan government faces - including the dismantling of the Taliban insurgency and Al Qaeda operations, the reduction of narcotic-producing poppy crops, achieving successful economic reconstruction and building a sustainable system of governance and the effective rule of law.

In overcoming these challenges we need a long-term commitment – one that is measured in decades, not years. This does not mean our Armed Forces will be playing a combat role for this long – we have already been shifting our emphasis towards training and mentoring, and reconstruction and development – building on our military success which has been considerable. Progress will be measured through milestones and social indicators (health, education etc.) rather than ground taken or enemy killed.

The Prime Minister outlined the UK’s “Next Steps” for Afghanistan in his speech to the House of Commons on 12th December 2007. Our strategy is based on a long-term and comprehensive framework for security, political, social and economic development for Afghanistan. This entails:

First, Afghan ownership: Afghan army, police and Government building on NATO military achievements and taking over responsibility for their own security.

Second, localisation and reconciliation: Afghans building on the creation of a democratic constitution by developing and strengthening their institutions not just at national but at provincial and local level - as we also support their search for political reconciliation.

Third, reconstruction: in what is still one of the poorest countries on earth we will help ensure through reconstruction and development that more Afghan people have an economic stake in their future.

Fourth, greater burden sharing by all partners and allies: with each of us playing our part in the long haul to help the Afghans govern themselves and secure their own land.

The recent reports recommend that reconstruction and development efforts would be better leveraged by: an effective reconciliation process; the appointment of a UNSG Special Envoy; increased engagement with Afghanistan’s neighbour. We agree to all of these; these largely reflect our own existing strategy.

The challenge we face – both the international community and the Afghan government – is one of implementation of an effective and agreed solution to the problems faced in Afghanistan.

Our diplomatic efforts to bring about a more coordinated, long-term strategic approach with the international community and Afghan government will be strengthened next week. Mark Malloch-Brown and Condoleezza Rice will push forward our common agenda – to support the Afghans, the Afghan government and the international community to ensure that Afghanistan does not return to being a failed state, but instead is one which sees freedom, justice and progress for all.

Yours sincerely,

David Miliband, Foreign Secretary,

Des Browne, Secretary of State for Defence,

Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State for International Development.

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