UN chief urges new focus on Afghan nation-building

(January 5, 2010) The United Nations chief on Monday cautioned against an “irreversible” deterioration in Afghanistan's security and politics unless nations rethink the way civilian aid and development are delivered. In a report to the Security Council, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for a new UN-led civilian effort to help build the nation. “We are now at a critical juncture. The situation cannot continue as it is if we are to succeed in Afghanistan,” he said. Ban cited a need for greater international coordination of civilian efforts under “a United Nations umbrella,” but with the head of the U.N. mission in Afghanistan maintaining overall responsibility. Ban warned against the twin effects of deteriorating security and the fraud-plagued presidential elections in August, which shook Afghan President Hamid Karzai's credibility at home and abroad. Both have contributed to the government's inability to deliver basic services, which is fuelling the expansion of the Taliban insurgency. “If the negative trends are not corrected, there is a risk that the deteriorating overall situation will become irreversible,” he warned.