Skepticism on Afghanistan

Via TAPPED, I find a Los Angeles Times editorial on Afghanistan's constitutional process that I think makes some key points. The Consitution under consideration would create a very strong Presidency on the theory that this is what is necessary to control the country's warlords. However, the warlords are a problem not because they have too much power under the law, but because they have loyal armies and access to local revenues. Giving the President the power to declare a state of emergency will not negate that advantage of the warlords choose to resist central control. I'm not sure a federal system is the answer as far as moving toward purer democracy is concerned, but it at least has a better chance of ensuring peace in the country.