It is a positive thing that Argentine military troops should take part in a peace force in Afghanistan within the framework of the United Nations resolutions.

The military operation conducted by the United States and allies in support of the anti-taliban forces was launched under the legitimate resolutions of said organization despite the criticism it may have sparked.

The involvement in this peace-keeping force allows Argentina to take a definite stance in the fight against international terrorism without the problems that may rise by repressing the scourge directly.

Besides, the peace force’s mission will focus on averting conflict, offering humanitarian aid and setting the minimum necessary conditions for Afghanistan to restore a national government with basic functions.

The Argentine role in multinational peace forces has been a positive event for the country first and the Armed Forces then.

Missions in Croatia, Kuwait, Haiti, Cyprus and other nations have allowed Argentina to take a definite stance in foreign policy, which was already shared by Uruguay and one that Chile and Brazil also adopted in recent years.

This role has also enabled the Armed Forces to interact with the militaries of developed countries and improve the levels of training and modernization while deepening the culture of military power subjection to civil power that characterizes American and European militaries.

I do not agree with the idea that Argentina should participate in the peace force of Afghanistan because that action may lead the Bush Administration to consider the country as an ‘ally’ and consequently press the IMF to anticipate or grant new funds that may palliate the country’s financial suffocation.

Argentina should take part in the peace force encouraged by the values and principles comprised in the action and not out of economic interest.

To conclude, the Argentine involvement in the peace force of Afghanistan offers more advantages than disadvantages for the country and enables Argentina to take a clear stance in the global conflict without prompting the internal political debate that would have risen in a direct repressive operation.