Can the loya jirga bring peace to Afghanistan?

Afghanistan's constitutional grand assembly or loya jirga is meeting in Kabul.

Over the next few weeks tribal and regional leaders will discuss and ratify a new constitution for the country.

The draft document gives strong powers to the president but has been criticised by many provincial leaders.

The Taleban has also threatened to attack delegates and called on Afghans to boycott the assembly.

Will the loya jirga make a difference to the future of Afghanistan? Can the new constitution unite the country? Send us your comments.

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This debate is now closed. Read your comments below.

Your comments:

Yes of course it will bring stability and prosperity. I hope it make religion and politics separate otherwise again there will be problems.
Noor Mohammad, London, UK

As so many new democracies begin in the world, sometimes looking for a quick change, let us not forget that the US democracy, society, constitution and economy have evolved over 200 years. In our early years our economy was not significantly better than "third world". We also had a civil war about 90 years after our birth, with intervening years of internal struggle. So it may be that there will be no quick change to the current conditions. But we can certainly be a strong provider of history and capital to establish a strong base for excellent development.
Keenan, New Hampshire, US

I think the constitution is one of the most important thing happen to Afghanistan since the fall of Taliban. It can only bring peace and unity among Afghans, only if Afghan people follow the constitution from heart and mind, otherwise no. Because if you don't follow constitution after it passed, it is nothing more than a piece of paper with no value. To implement constitutions Afghanistan need a secular government. A secular government in the form of presidential system with some sort of check and balance by congress.
Sulaman Azim, USA, California

I applaud the efforts being made by the Afghan people John, US

I don't believe the loya jirga will have a constitution that will please everyone in the next few days or even years for that matter. That's what amendments are for. The American democracy wasn't built over night and no one should expect instant results here either. I applaud the efforts being made by the Afghan people and wish them all the good fortune that we share in America and the western world.
John, US

I would like to applaud the courage of Malalai Joya, who spoke out against the Mujahideen at the assembly. Real change in Afghanistan will occur when voices like hers are heeded.
Ashwini Tambe, Washington DC USA

I would like to see a true constitutional democracy at work. But, there are many interest groups (local warlord groups as well as many western groups), that would like to have control themselves rather than give up, in the name of democracy.
SambaShiva, Chicago, USA

The Loya Jirga will never be able to bring peace to Afghanistan. Most of the delegates are scared of the warlords. Afghanistan should get rid of the warlords first and peace and unity will follow.
ASIF MOHAMMAD, Glasgow Scotland

Hamid Karzai & co have done well to get all the powerful people under one roof. However it is important to continue to disarm all warlords, and current government to prove to Afghan people that they are safe. Western nation should do more to help in creating national army & same time providing education for all Afghans. The ex-pats should be encouraged to come back and help the process of nation building.
Abid, Leeds UK

I am very optimistic that the delegates in Loya Jirga will choose what is best for Afghanistan and the future of its next generation. Ordinary Afghans like myself are tired of war, poverty, illiteracy and being refugees in foreign countries. We want peace and no more war. I was a little astonished to read that most comments from people, particularly from Afghans living in Western countries were so negative about the Loya Jirga. Why don't you come here to Afghanistan to help in the reconstruction of this country and in helping us in the removal of all these "warlords, monsters and butchers"? At the present, we need your actions and not your words.
Ahmad shah, Kandahar, Afghanistan

Money, unjustly wasted in Loya Jirgaa, can be used in a better way for the educational and vocational purposes of this war-tattered land Watan Doost, Kabul Afghanistan

It is the fourth day of the Loya Jirga and they are yet to debate over the articles of constitution. As an Afghan returnee, I really feel embarrassed having such unpatriotic personalities in our country. I had very serene life there in exile. I got my education there but here there is no sense for the reconstruction of the country. I studied hard in exile to bring the fruit of exile for my country but by coming here the fruit turned rotten and the hope which I had dwindled as a result I am roaming here and there in the city of Kabul aimlessly and waiting anxiously for my elders to pave the way of a better life for the youth.

I am a student but I cannot peruse my education as the stomach of family members and mine is empty and it needs to be filled. The vast amount of money, unjustly wasted in Loya Jirgaa, can be used in a better way for the educational and vocational purposes of this war-tattered land.
Watan Doost, Kabul Afghanistan

Whatever people may say, it is a positive step forward. It is in the interest of Afghanistan that this Loya Jirga chooses a strong Presidential system.
Maiwand Majboor, Kabul, Afghanistan

This Loya Jirga is a step in the right direction. It can provide Afghanistan with a constitution after decades of lawlessness. However, peace and stability can only be achieved when the constitution is fully implemented without fear or favour.
Farid Razaqpur, Neawrk, California, USA

In presence of the warlord in power, I assure no peace will restore in Afghanistan. Disarmament first and prepare for election whether for constitutional or presidential.
Zemarai Babori, Afghanistan

This is a historical turning point for Afghanistan. The delegates have a national and moral responsibility to remember their past and take the present opportunity to bring a better and just future for Afghanistan.
Arash Wared, Toronto, Canada

To totally discredit the loya jirga, is very unfair. It is equally unfair, to assume that it will solve all issues. I believe it is a step in the right direction nonetheless.
Haseeb, USA

People who disagree are labelled infidels Esmaray S, Kabul

Unity is impossible when the chairman of the constitutional loya jirga says to women: "Do not try to put yourself on a level with men. Even God has not given you equal rights because under his decision two women are counted as equal to one man." Then what about Hindus and Sikhs? No vote! People who disagree are labelled infidels. We are worried about the comeback of the 1992-96 parliamentarians that destroyed Afghanistan.
Esmaray S, Kabul, Afghanistan

The first step towards peace Fahim Mujaddedi, Hull

I think that loya jirga is the first step towards peace. I am sure that this is just a place where all the rival groups of Afghanistan can come together and pledge to work for the prosperity, peace and development of the country and its people. Also the new constitution will be acceptable to every Afghan without any doubt.
Fahim Mujaddedi, Hull

The loya jirga has so far been going well and the warlords have been losing. Afghanistan needs a strong presidential system to unite the Afghans and to get rid of the warlords and factions.
Khalid, Afghanistan

It would be naive to think that the loya jirga can perform miracles. Feudalism and warlordism are too profitable ventures to discard. An educated youth will eventually be the prime mover and the constitution created by the loya jirga will be a slow acting catalyst.
Munir Mitha, Toronto, Canada

A loya jirga must reflect the population's ethnic-makeup Rick Pettit, Rutland, Vermont, USA

The Afghan administration must understand that without the active participation of the various Pashtun groups the loya jirga will be an exercise in futility. Many of the problems dogging Hamid Karzai stem from unequal representation in the present administration, with former Northern Alliance Tajiks and Uzbeks enjoying disproportionate advantages over majority Pashtuns. A loya jirga must reflect the population's ethnic make-up if it is to work in an ethnically-charged Afghanistan.
Rick Pettit, Rutland, Vermont, USA

I think this loya jirga is the key to having democratic and meaningful elections in Afghanistan.
Hikmatullah Amin, Afghanistan

There are too many players running the show of loya jirga. The whole process is dictated and distracted by many western countries and neighbouring countries with a negative effect by the resurgence of the Taleban. This meeting will have no lasting effect for a long-term peaceful solution.
Indravadan D. Vyas, Fort Myers, USA

As long as they are running the show, the goal of unity is hopeless Rasul Mobin, Australia

The constitution was made by agents of warlords and Taleban-like religious fanatics. The loya jirga is being directed by the same people. The voice of the Afghans who have suffered from these people is silent but the majority. The majority of Afghans despise these people and request that they be expunged from the state apparatus. As long as they are running the show, the goal of unity is hopeless.
Rasul Mobin, Australia

Loya jirga makes no sense as long as the government can control nothing outside the capital.
Konstantin, Estonia

The success of loya jirga will depend on the attitude of some prominent warlords of the North Alliance. It will also depend on how Karzai handles the moderate members of the former Taleban without compromising.
Khalid Rahim, Canada

The loya jirga process should not be seen as the beginning of the end, but the end of the beginning Omar, Virginia

The loya jirga process should not be seen as the beginning of the end, but the end of the beginning. I am very hopeful that this is the end of the beginning of unification process towards a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan.

However, the inclusion of the warlords in the assembly endangers the process itself. And their inclusion in a future government will endanger not only Afghanistan but the whole region.

I am in favour of a strong presidency, because in the past the coalition governments have always failed in Afghanistan.
Omar, Virginia, USA

Loya jirga will only work if the representatives are truly representing the Afghan population. It seems to me that this jirga like the one before it would be dominated by candidates selected by monsters (warlords).
Azeem, Afghanistan

The tears shed by these elders as the children sang songs of past pain and future hopes is a sign that they will Ali Safdar Khan, Pakistan

There is no doubt that the Afghan people, the tribal leaders at the loya jirga, and the international community all want the council to succeed.

Everyone wants a stable representative government in place. However the definitions of what is best for Afghanistan vary tremendously, from strong presidential system to the strict near-Taliban version of Sharia which may take the country away from true democracy.

The key is whether the elders are prepared to make bitter compromises. The tears shed by these elders as the children sang songs of past pain and future hopes is a sign that they will.
Ali Safdar Khan, Pakistan

We expect a lot from the members of constitution loya jirga and hope we are not let down through behind the scenes' politicking. This is a great moment to decide about the future road map of Afghanistan. We pray our leaders and scholars set aside their differences and work together for the interest of the Afghan nation.
Sultan Maqsood Fazel, UK

As long as the Jirga members were hand picked they will not be accepted by the whole country.
Ras Venhengo, Kwekwe, Zimbabwe

Loya jirga is a step towards normality, not towards succession in peace and democracy. Zargai Manan, London, UK

Loya jirga is a step towards normality, not towards succession in peace and democracy. One of the reasons for this is that there's a strong influence of war criminals in the Loya Jirga. As long as Afghan culture and religious values are not undermined, Afghanistan will be in a grip of war.
Zargai Manan, London, UK

We have a saying in Afghanistan, 'It is worthless to try what you tasted before.' So Afghans have experienced bitter and dark days under Mujahideen rule, no more of that nightmare now. Any Mujahideen leader, commander or gangster can only be bad for the future of Afghanistan.
Ahmad Masood Azraq, Sweden, Malmö

We are all hoping and praying that may this be the stepping stone for the start of true democracy and a free Afghanistan. May the loya jirga be a start of a brighter and better Afghanistan. As I would not be a slave, so I would not be a master. This expresses my idea of democracy - Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865).
Asfandyar Khan, Peshawar, Pakistan

The long-term prosperity of Afghanistan depends on the delegates' willingness to set aside their differences. Afghanistan has achieved this people-led 'window of opportunity' after years of suffering; it should not be lost at any cost.
Mirwais Farahi, Canada

The country will be united as long as Nato is there to support the government - and not a day longer. Patrick, USA

The country will be united as long as Nato is there to support the government - and not a day longer. Constitution or not, this country will not become a Western democracy.
Patrick, USA

I think this new constitution will not make any difference or bring back peace to Afghanistan. To bring back peace in Afghanistan you have to get rid of all the American puppets which includes Mr Karzai and co. The American butchers should stop the killings of innocent children and to stop occupation.
Qasim, England

The new constitution must over bridge the gap between warlords, tribal leaders and the president creating a right balance for the sake of their own future. Considering the history of Afghanistan the national grand assembly is a vital part of the Afghan fabric. No one can dismiss its importance, but a whole new structure has to be built - loya jirga inclusive - enabling the country to stand on its own feet as soon as possible.
Mary McCannon, Hungary

Loya jirga is not a structured laws and policies administration and the world can not be watching over Afghanistan for ever, so Afghanistan needs to have good structured, secured government.
S Rehman, USA

The success of this Loya jirga will be a very positive step toward peace and democratization of the country Samizay, USA

The success of this Loya jirga will be a very positive step toward peace and democratization of the country. I'm strongly in favour of Parliamentary system. Afghanistan must have strong President and Prime Minister. To give too much power for President is very dangerous in country with diversity of ethnic composition.
Samizay, USA

The loya jirga would play a vital role only if women are included. They are a silent power.
Manuel Adamu, Equatorial Guinea

Until the Taliban and al Qaeda are defeated, there can be no peace in Afghanistan. They will continue to attack any efforts to create a government and rebuild the country as long as they can. They continue to operate from sanctuaries in Pakistan and even the Pakistan government can't or won't challenge them.
Mark, USA

Afghanistan is on right track. Loya jirga will work. There will be peace and prosperity in Afghanistan. There will many problems on the way but people will overcome very quickly now.
Sam Rupani, USA

I totally agree with the loya jirga and it can play important rule in Afghanistan's future. Abdul Hadi , Afghanistan

I totally agree with the loya jirga and it can play important rule in Afghanistan's future. The new constitution will bring unity and peace to the country. I don't however agree with the Parliamentary system in Afghanistan it's not what the people want.
Abdul Hadi , Afghanistan

All those who belong to mafia, are warlords, and non-democratic people, are part of loya jirga. How can we expect democratic policies from this Jirga?
Farasat Zaman, Sweden

I believe, there is still a threat of strong warlords who have a dominant control over the country. They force people through their own channels to vote for them. There should have been disarmament of all the factional so-called Mujahideen groups to save the lives of ordinary. Having said that, I am not very optimistic about the outcome of this loya jirga.
Shah Mohd, UK

I think the most important thing in Afghanistan is education, and women's rights. Until these issues are rectified the grip of the Taleban survives and prospers.
Kay, USA

As long as the grip of the warlords continues to dominate and determine the politics of Afghanistan, not much will be achieved. Srinivasan Toft, Denmark

As long as the grip of the warlords continues to dominate and determine the politics of Afghanistan, not much will be achieved. There can be some short-term compromises made, but in the long run real peace and democracy will be possible only when tribalism and warlordism is eliminated, which in turn is possible by improving economic conditions for the millions of Afghans and not to forget the importance of education!
Srinivasan Toft, Denmark

I am very much hopeful that this loya jirga will unite Afghans. There might be controversy over some issues such as the presidency but still on most issues the delegates will have the same ideas.
Rohullah Niazi, Afghanistan