Securing Afghanistan's border

As Afghanistan goes through a painful transition from a theocratic past to a possible pluralist future, the country continues to face serious border-security problems. The most problematic border is with Pakistan. Although Islamabad has repeatedly pledged to stop cross-border armed infiltrations and drug trafficking, Kabul strongly believes that Pakistan has not done enough. Unless this long and treacherous border, with a complex history, is secured, it has the potential not only to undermine Afghanistan's transition, but also to imperil regional stability. The sooner this challenge is overcome the better for all parties concerned, and the power that can play a key role in the process is the United States.