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Hope for a Shattered Land

After 29 years of living in exile, Afghanistan's former king, Mohammed Zahir Shah, returned to his homeland last Thursday. His plane landed at a bombed-out airport.

Afghanistan's temporary leader, Hamid Karzai, left, stands beside Mohammed Zahir Shah.

Thousands of people lined the street of Kabul, Afghanistan's shattered capital, hoping to get a glimpse of the king. To many, he represented a time when there was no violence. "When he was here, we had peace," said one joyous Afghan man. "In those days, no one knew how to use a gun."

The frail 87-year-old Zahir Shah also represents hope for the future. "His presence will add to stability and peace in Afghanistan," said the country's temporary leader, Hamid Karzai.

In June, Zahir Shah will call together a national assembly of tribal elders. They and other representatives will choose a government that will rule Afghanistan until elections are held in 2003.

Last week, President George W. Bush called for a plan to help Afghans achieve a stable government and better lives. Bush proposed that the United States help Afghanistan rebuild its army, education system and economy. "We know that true peace will only be achieved when we give the Afghan people the means to achieve their own aspirations," said the President.

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