Afghan constitution

Frankfurter Allgemeine

Afghanistan is a state -- but it remains to be seen whether a nation can be made of it.

The delegates of the constitutional convention took an important step in that direction. ... It was clear until the last minute how difficult it was for them to agree on a new constitution.

... Failure appeared probable. But representatives of the United Nations and the United States, both of which had an immediate interest in an agreement, finally managed to talk the holdouts round.

However, that is one of the weak points of the accord.

After the end of their meeting, the delegates will return to their regions, and there they will be exposed to other influences.

It is not clear whether all those who showed willingness to compromise in the capital will have the strength to stand by their votes.

A piece of paper alone, however great the ceremony with which it was approved, cannot bring peace to Afghanistan.

Even if one ignores the increasingly active Taliban, there is still plenty of fuel for conflict in the country. There is great distrust between the various ethnic groups and their leaders.