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"This is a critical year for Afghanistan," said Jelani Popal, founding director of Afghanistan's Independent Directorate of Local Governance. In a discussion at the United States Institution for Peace, Popal explained that the key issue for creating peace in Afghanistan was to set up a more stable local governing system.

Afghanistan has a "strong central government" in Kabul, but it needs to build a strong local government, said Popal. Fifty percent of all Afghanis live in tiny villages with populations fewer than 300. The largest challenge for Afghanistan is to delegate authority local providences, municipalities and districts throughout the country.

There are several roadblocks to creating this system. Afghanistan is a multi-ethnic country, where 60 percent of its population is under 25 years old. There are many tribal conflicts within the country, and drug dealers and the Taliban have been able to regain control of several areas. Still, Popal was optimistic of the situation and believed peace and stability could be restored within five to 10 years. "If a...previous Taliban wants to have civil life and be loyal the Constitution of Afghanistan and he wants to be part of the system, then he is most welcome," said Popal.