Will Coalition Drawdown of Troops Destabilize Afghanistan's Economy?

Many are speculating on the effect that the withdrawal of ISAF troops in 2014 will have on the Afghanistan economy.  Thousands of U.S. troops will have departed by the fall of 2012 - so that should start the trend. Some analysts think that corruption will decline (less money to steal) while others think it will be business as usual for the corrupt Karzai regime.  Over 90 percent of the Afghan government's budget comes from the international community and the country depends on that money.  Read one columnists take on the economic future of Afghanistan in "What happens when troops - and money - leave Afghanistan?", The Christian Science Monitor, February 7, 2012.  (Photo credit 1st Class David Frech DoD)