For the Afghan government and its international backers the time is running out. 2014 stands as the most crucial year for the stability of Afghanistan. In April, 2014 the next presidential election is expected and by the end of the same year the NATO troops' withdrawal from Afghanistan will be completed. Until the end of 2014 both political transition and transition of security responsibility from NATO forces to ANSF have to be completed.

The Afghan government and the international community must work to address the negative impacts that will be left behind by troops' withdrawal on security and economy of Afghanistan. The challenge is hard. It is now making drawdown possible, strengthening Afghan troops and meanwhile weakening the terrorists to make sure they do not return.

There is need for maintaining the development so far achieved and making environment further feasible for the newborn Afghan democracy to nurture. The sacrifices of international community and Afghans should not be allowed to go futile and for that purpose, there is a need for optimal level efforts, internationally.

Over the last decade, nearly 4,000 foreign soldiers have lost their lives in Afghanistan. Same has been the fate of thousands of Afghan security forces and innocent civilians. With huge sacrifice in blood and treasure, the future is still uncertain for the people of Afghanistan as suicide bombing, targeted killing and other forms of insurgency continue in the last some years. Afghan national army and police are seen as the future defenders of Afghanistan. Nonetheless, severe concerns over their capacity – training and equipment wise – remain high among the people.

The sacrifices Afghan security forces have offered to their homeland would never be forgotten. But we have to admit the fact that they have yet to nurture to become competent enough to defend Afghanistan on their own. With the plans for international troops to switch from combat to supporting role by the end of 2013 and withdraw in complete by the end of 2014, concerns over future political and economic security of this country have become manifold.

If on the one hand corruption, illiteracy, high dropout rates, and infiltration of Taliban into the ranks of Afghan forces are considered severe hurdles for their development, on the other lack of proper and latest equipment, weapons, tanks and war crafts makes Afghan army and police to be less confident.

The future of Afghanistan highly depends on decisions of its government and commitments of international community to continue supporting Afghanistan. It would be catastrophic if the so-far gains that have been achieved through immense sacrifices of foreign and Afghan soldiers are just allowed to be lost.