The United States' recent announcement of holding direct talks with the Taliban and the subsequent reaction of Afghan President Hamid Karzai once again put Afghanistan's future in the spotlight.

There is intense interest in security, and talks about security. Equally important are issues of how to improve people's livelihoods and basic services such as water, roads, electricity, justice and the rule of law. These issues will determine how Afghan people react to the changing political and security landscape.

Despite the gloom and doom news, Afghanistan has thrown up many positives. More than 2 million children, including girls, regularly attend school. Connectivity has improved with more than 14 million cell phone users. Budgetary systems are improving at the national and municipal levels, which will ensure better accountability and delivery of public services. Yet huge challenges remain.