Democracy in Afghanistan and Iraq: Lessons and Experiences

Lessons from Afghanistan and Iraq

  • Authors and Contributors:

    • Zalmay Khalilzad: President of Khalilzad Associates, counselor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Previously served as U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan and Iraq, and U.S. permanent representative to the United Nations.

Overview of Democratic Efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq

  • Duration of Support: Almost a decade of international coalitions led by the U.S. supporting democracy-building efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq.

  • Rationale for Democracy:

    • Establishing a democratic political system is viewed as key for reconstruction, believed to confer greater legitimacy and justice.

    • Success in democracy aimed to inspire regional transformation in the broader Middle East, combating extremism and global terrorism.

Challenges to Democracy Building

  • Nation-Building Issues:

    • The international community focused on national compacts to unite diverse groups within the fractured states.

    • Need for state-building due to decades of tyranny inhibiting effective institutions.

    • Challenges included demobilizing militias and insurgents, focusing on economic development and reconstruction.

Internal and External Threats

  • Opposition to Democratic Order: Remnants of old regimes, new insurgents, and regional terrorists impact the establishment of democracy.

  • Complicated Landscape: Struggles between religious and secular forces, elite resistance to power-sharing, and an unwelcoming regional environment pose challenges.

Key Features of Democratization Efforts

  • Main Components:

    • Interim political arrangements, electoral roadmaps, constitutions, civil society development, introduction of basic human rights, rule of law establishment, political party formation, and effective state institutions.

Notable Progress and Setbacks

  • Progress Evaluation: Both countries have shown uneven progress with various setbacks.

  • Comparison of Afghanistan and Iraq: Differences and similarities in trajectories and experiences during transitional periods.

Political Leadership Transitions in Postconflict Situations

  • Warlord Phase:

    • Following conflict, power often resides with warlords, complicating democratic transitions.

    • Need for leaders seeking popular power, reduced influence of armed groups.

  • Dilemma for External Powers:

    • Occupation vs. accommodation:

    • Occupation: High cost, potential internal resistance.

    • Accommodation: Slower transition, fewer outside forces needed.

Initial Post-Taliban Context in Afghanistan

  • Lack of Institutions: Difficulties due to powerful local leaders and history of violence.

  • U.S. Policy: Aimed for a phased transition while maintaining essential rules for governance.

Initial Situation in Iraq Post-Saddam

  • Dissolution of Government Structures: Coalition Provisional Authority dissolved Baath Party, disbanded military, led to discontent among Sunni Arabs and ensuing sectarian violence.

  • Political Dominance: Shia religious parties gained power, leading to increased sectarian tensions.

Lessons Learned from Both Cases

  1. External Power Role: Avoiding occupation in favor of inclusive political processes, like in Afghanistan.

  2. Mediation Needed: Continuous engagement with local leaders is imperative for a successful transition.

  3. Political Mobilization: Encouragement of constructive political forces is critical for stabilization and progress.

Constitutional Developments in Postconflict Scenarios

  • Constitutional Features:

    • New constitutions emerged as crucial to democratization, involving complex political challenges.

  • Afghanistan's Constitution: Adopted a centralized system, aimed to expedite state-building with strong presidential powers, though it risks exclusion of minority groups.

  • Iraq's Constitution: Created to address ethnic diversity with a federal and parliamentary system, requiring super-majorities to prevent domination.

Similarities and Differences in Constitutions

  • Common Articles: Both constitutions shared provisions on women's representation and basic rights.

  • Negotiations for Political Stability: Internal negotiations were vital for creating political frameworks that address societal divisions.

Electoral Dynamics and Political Parties

  • Afghanistan's Elections: The SNTV system emphasized individual candidacies, creating barriers for effective party formation.

  • Iraq's Evolution: Transitioning from PLPR to an open-list system improved party effectiveness.

  • Cultural Context: Political parties in both nations often met with skepticism due to past associations with violence and militias.

Current Political Climate and Future Directions

  • Successful Elections:

    • Iraq's December 2005 election achieved broader representation after earlier boycotts.

    • Recent trends indicate a move towards more encompassing governance structures.

  • Roles of Leadership:

    • Leaders in both Afghanistan and Iraq display varying effectiveness, influencing state-building and democratic processes significantly.

Leadership Challenges and International Support

  • Afghan Leadership: President Karzai's initial success contrasted with later challenges of governance and warlord influence.

  • Iraqi Leadership: Prime Minister Maliki transitioned from appeasement to confrontation with militias.

Continuing Challenges and Future Outlook

  • Democracy's Fragile Nature: Progress in democracy is always at risk from internal challenges and external interference from neighboring nations.

  • Mutually Reinforcing Goals: Success in elections, institution-building, rule of law, and socio-economic development can reinforce each other, while setbacks in any area can hinder overall progress.

  • Long-Term Commitment: Continued support from global democracies is essential for Afghanistan and Iraq's stability and success.

  • Public Sentiment: Despite issues, popular support for democracy remains strong, presenting a greater chance for success than for failure in the long run.