BACK FROM KABUL WITH LOVE

BACK FROM KABUL WITH LOVE. PART 2

Prof. (Dr. Khurshidalam44@hotmail.com Dated. 27/11/10

The stability and peace in Afghanistan is the core issue facing the world to day. If for the world at large it is a question of eliminating terrorism and promotion of their own agenda in this region, for Afghans on both sides of Durand line it is a matter of life and death. As I have said it in so many previous articles that an insane can be expected to presume that there will be war on one side and peace on the other of Durand line but not a sound mind. Water can be divided by sword.

Though this bloody drama was started by USA, USSR, PAKISTAN and IRAN but now the real players to keep it boiling is Pakistan and Iran. Unless the local devils are out of Afghanistan there cannot be peace on either side. They are the real culprits. They have political, economical, and sectarian interests in this war.

The more the interference by the neighbours the more this issue is likely to be complicated and proportionally more players will get involved with divergent agendas.

Apart from foreign hands we, as a nation is responsible for this wrath. The preceding events like coup against Daud khan, the subsequent inner part tussle of the leftists, the dirty role of Babrak Karmal, the failures of Hizbs and Taliban has brought us to this critical juncture of history. We have lost a lot of time.

The Afghans on eastern side of Durand line have not played their historical role to bring the two factions to the table. The Afghan government is plagued by corruption, lack of transparency and good governance to show something solid to the people on the ground.

The warlords were not taken care of and corruption was not nipped in the bud. Optimism gradually changed to pessimism. Instead of solving the national question it was brushed under the carpet. The country was run on compromises rather than solving the issues. No short or long time policies were formulated.

On other hand Afghans boycott of electoral process isolated them from political process as they opted for bullet instead of ballot. The government did not encourage political process to avoid political vacuum. This vacuum was exploited by Pakistan and Iran equally. In the case of Pakistan they championed the cause of Afghans rights while denying the same to the Afghans and Baloch living in Pakistan.

Jirga system was abused. It is code of life of Pukhtoons. The nations of subcontinent India have no clue of its importance and the way it should be conducted. To have Amman jirga with Pakistan or Iran was silliness. Peace in this belt was not in their interest nor they knew its code of conduct.

It is surprising that if we could sit with Pakistan to sort out our problem why we could not do the same with the Afghan brethren. This was the only way to stop Pakistan and Iran to stop interference who were exploiting in the sectarian and nationalist sentiments. It may take a long time but there is no short cut. It was encouraging to observe that the Afghan government is now seriously engaged in this process.

Taliban movement was basically a national up rising soaked by ISI in sectarian hatred. The money has played horrible role. There is hardly any institution in Afghanistan without the presence of ISI.

The demand of Taliban is the most illogical. The expulsion of NATO forces is as important as the expulsion of Al- Qaeda, ISI and imported terrorist. As I told the British foreign secretary that it is true that we have the tradition of revenge killing but the way it is carried out now is unknown in Afghans history. It is imported from Middle East and lower belt of Ex. USSR.

Afghanistan is equally in need of national reconciliation and deterring national army. Is our Taliban brethren have the capability to deter Pakistan onslaught or even have the ability to expel the ISI recruited and trained terrorist from their rank and file. If the case is to the contrary to it then should we leave Afghanistan at the mercy of terrorists, Iran and ISI?

We have to stop to look at the problem with barrel vision but should widen our outlook to see the realities on the ground. Can Taliban clinch a guarantee from Pakistan and Iran with of civilised behaviour and non-interference with guarantee of international fraternity?

I do realise and it gives me pain in the chest that Afghani currency is not happily entertained in Kabul and Afghani language is not having the same status as Dari in the corridors of power but it needs political participation by Afghans. The fascist attitude should be abandoned. Afghanistan is home to other nations too. We have a shared history and culture. We should respect all languages equally but Afghani being the largest should not be only a national language but official too and government should guarantee that the justice is done. Pakistan and USSR are the two glaring example of neglecting national aspirations. The sole reason of Pakistan break up was the imposition on other nations. Do we have to experiment on ourselves and refuse to learn from the experiences of others? We have history and Watan but no willingness to take initiative and jump from back seat to the front and take control.

The enemy is not so strong but we are on our knees as an Irish leader said during Irish liberation war. Have we got the will and strength to prove it wrong?

Revival and reorganising of AFGHAN MILLAT is the scream of the history to meet the challenges of 21^st century.