The proposed so-called “zero option” that will leave no US forces in Afghanistan beyond 2014 risks losing the hard-fought gains of the past decade and would more than likely create a haven for terrorists perhaps leading to another 9/11.  That’s the big picture as expressed by many scholars and opinion pieces on the subject in recent days.  However, what it will mean for many Afghans is perhaps even more dire as they would surely experience a greater level of insecurity in their day-to-day lives as they try to hold jobs, raise their families, and educate their children.

It is because of NATO/ISAF actions over the past decade that Afghanistan has seen greater economic security and expanding educational opportunities for all Afghans.  This has resulted in a strong grass roots ‘freedom of action’ movement among Afghans that seems to be growing and is essential for the future of a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan.  Examples of this grass roots movement can be found in the following of young Malala Yousafzai and her recent address to the UN Youth Assembly advocating for greater educational opportunities for ALL children.  It can also be seen in the latest super-hero cartoon creation playing in neighboring Pakistan in its official Urdu language, “Burqa Avenger,” about a burqa-clad teacher fighting corrupt government officials and Taliban-like bad guys so that children can go to school.

It’s these kinds of efforts and more that will eventually bring peace to Afghanistan and its neighbors.  But even these grass roots efforts need a basic level of security to blossom and grow into something viable and sustainable that will translate into greater security in the region and beyond.  The kind of security that only international forces can provide to Afghanistan for now – because the truth is without US involvement leading the way, there will be little to no international effort to save Afghanistan from a future of continued conflict and lives of desperation for many Afghans.  It’s the children who are the greatest hope for the future peace and prosperity of Afghanistan, and only through expanding and protecting educational opportunities for ALL children can this hope be realized.