Article: Afghanistan looks ahead.(Editorials)(Despite flaws, loya jirga offers hope for democracy)(Editorial)

Byline: The Register-Guard

Confusion. Squabbling. Dealmaking. Delays. They're all messy byproducts of democracy, whether it's the Oregon Legislature, the U.S. Congress or the loya jirga, Afghanistan's traditional grand council.

With wobbly, imperfect steps, Afghanistan has embarked on the political path toward a more stable, peaceful future with the election of Hamid Karzai to serve as the head of a transitional government until elections are held in 2004.

There has been plenty of handwringing over the grand council's deliberations. Observers complained about manipulation by the United States, vote buying and the thuggish presence of warlords. ...

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