Afghanistan's presidential election, now apparently headed for a runoff stage, will mark the first peaceful transition of power in the history of that unfortunate country, ravaged by endless war since 1979. Displaying courage in the face of adversity, Afghans braved Taliban attacks and threats to vote in large numbers in the April 5 first round, whose still-partial results put former Afghan Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah in the lead, followed by former World Bank economist Ashraf Ghani.

After almost 35 years of bloodletting, Afghans are desperate for peace. President Hamid Karzai's successor will has his work cut out for him, including promoting national reconciliation by building bridges among the country's disparate ethnic and political groups; strengthening the fledgling, multiethnic Afghan Army; and ensuring free and fair parliamentary elections next year.

The role of external players, however, overshadows these internal dynamics. Pakistan remains a big part of Afghanistan's problem. It still harbors militant sanctuaries and the command-and-control structure for Afghan insurgency. Pakistani interference in Afghanistan's internal affairs can be made to stop only if U.S. President Barack Obama's administration finally makes that a condition for continuing its generous aid to cash-strapped Pakistan — a remote prospect.