The authors have attempted to provide an overview with background information providing a sketch of the impact of Soviet occupation and its economic, social and political impact on Afghanistan as a base for considering issues pertaining to reestablishing a truly self governing country, now that the occupation forces have departed. While the cost of lives and infrastructure damage left in the wake of occupation forces could appear to be fundamental issues to be considered, the authors further

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... hlight recent events in eastern Europe and Russia as a base for considering tworealities; that perceived by the Afghans and that perceived by sympathetic, nevertheless external global power centers. The authors suggest that recent events have put the Afghan issue as but one of many third world brush fires on the back burner in contrast to a global concern for democratization of eastern Europe and the realignment of NATO and WARSAW pact countries. It is suggested that any strategy for Afghan reconstruction to be successful must evolve in the global reality. Recommendations look to ways in which Afghan expertise can be best mobilized to be effective.