ISLAMABAD -- Uncertainty over Afghanistan's political future has finally begun to recede with the successful conclusion of the country's first parliamentary elections in years. Although violence continues to plague Afghanistan, its political progress is impressive. In the long run, however, its stability will rest on three vital conditions.
First, Afghanistan can only defeat the militants in its midst by achieving economic recovery. Until then, poverty, not ideology, will push many young Afghans toward militancy. Given the continuing lack of economic opportunity, it is not surprising that Afghanistan's opium industry has made a stunning comeback since the Taliban were toppled from power four years ago.
The international community must continue to assume economic responsibility for Afghanistan. The injection of billions of dollars -- even more than sought by the Afghan government -- into the country will pay back dividends in the shape of economic, social and, ultimately, political stability.