By Abdul Saboor Sitiez

Afghanistan, a country with a long history of war and instability, is still in the grip of one of its most severe crises. This crisis is not the result of a single group or a single factor, but rather the result of a complex and multidimensional interaction between the ruling group, the international community, political strata, and the Afghan people. To successfully overcome this situation and achieve lasting peace and stability, it is essential to examine the factors of the crisis and its solutions with a deeper look and a more comprehensive assessment.

1-The Ruling Group: Totalitarian ideology

The Taliban’s governance style, both during the first period of rule and over the past three years, reflects management under the control of an extremist, closed, and exclusive ideology.

This ideology not only denies intellectual, cultural, and religious diversity, but also considers and suppresses any difference as a threat to its survival. The Taliban’s policies towards institutionalizing this ideology can be seen in the following:

Systematic repression: The Taliban strive to maintain power through means such as show trials, torture, physical elimination, and brutal reprisals against opponents. These actions, which have been widely documented by reputable national and international institutions, have not only not diminished, but have intensified. Ignoring all legal mechanisms and standards (national and international) and denying people’s fundamental rights has trapped society in a cycle of fear and deep distrust of the present and future.

Monopoly of power: The Taliban have not only excluded different ethnic groups and classes from participating in power, but also severely suppress any dissenting voice, even among themselves. This monopolization is a fundamental obstacle to the creation of an inclusive system.

Instrumental Use of Religion: With a limited and distorted interpretation of Islam, the Taliban consider any opposition to their rule as blasphemy and consider any change based on this group believer that they alone have a true understanding of Islam and expect unconditional allegiance from the Afghan people, while also demanding that the international community follow their orders unquestioningly. This approach has not only put Afghan society in an intellectual bind, but has also tarnished the image of Islam in the world.

2. The International Community: Passive or Self-interested?

Over the past three years, the international community’s response to the Afghan crisis has been, at best, passive and at worst, opportunistic. This situation is due to several key factors:

Conflict of Interest: Instead of focusing on a sustainable solution to the Afghan crisis through a transparent and inclusive mechanism, the world’s powerful countries have focused more on their short-term interests. Some have cooperated with the Taliban under the pretext of fighting terrorism and drug trafficking, while others have provided limited support to the group due to regional rivalries. This is despite the fact that the Taliban continue to pose a threat to regional and global security.

Lack of a comprehensive strategy: The international community has so far failed to develop a single, coherent strategy to deal with the Taliban. This fragmentation has enabled the Taliban to exploit existing contradictions and strengthen their positions.

3. The Afghan People: Internal Responsibility for Change

The role of the ruling group and the international community in the Afghan crisis is undeniable, but the Afghan people must also accept their responsibility in this situation.

Without understanding this responsibility, sustainable change will not be possible. The main obstacles on this path are:

Silence in the face of oppression: Afghan women and girls have bravely stood up to oppression over the past three years. If men had also stood by them, perhaps the situation today would have been different.

Lack of national unity: Ethnic, linguistic, and political differences are the main obstacle to progress and the formation of a common national identity. The Afghan people must put aside their differences and unite for a common goal.

Elite flight: the widespread migration of elites has deprived Afghanistan of its valuable human resources. These people should return and play a role in rebuilding the country if the conditions are right.

The role of political strata: Some former political leaders no longer have a place among the people. Their exploitation of ethnic sentiments will further isolate and stigmatize them. Instead, honest politicians should focus on unity and building a national system instead of revenge.

Consequences of the continuing crisis for Afghanistan and the world

For Afghanistan: Increasing poverty and unemployment, suppression of freedoms, widespread human rights violations, and women’s deprivation of education are among the consequences of this crisis. Continuing this trend will turn Afghanistan into an isolated and failed country.

For the region and the world: Afghanistan under Taliban control will become a safe haven for terrorist groups and will threaten regional and global security. Also, the current governance will question human values and lead to the spread of extremism.

Solutions: Shared Responsibility and a Multilateral Approach

To overcome this crisis, all parties must accept their responsibility:

Pressure on the Taliban: The international community should use economic, political, and legal tools to put pressure on the Taliban.

Targeted sanctions and support for civil society can reduce the Taliban’s power.

Strengthen internal unity: The Afghan people and political classes must learn from past differences and work to create a national system based on law and public opinion.

Invest in education and awareness: Education and awareness are the keys to lasting change in Afghanistan. The international community and Afghan elites must focus on strengthening the educational infrastructure.

Conclusion: Afghanistan’s future depends on a system based on law

Afghanistan will only overcome the current crisis when a political system based on law, justice, and public participation with board social foundations is established. Such as system must be representative of all ethnic groups and classes and be based on the principles of equality, human rights, and the rule of law. This goal will only be achieved through responsible cooperation by all parties. The future of this country depends on a deep understanding of this shared responsibility.   

Abdul Saboor Sitez is a writer and expert on International Relations. His articles have appeared in publications, such as: Hasht - e - Subh, Etilaat Roz, Subh - e - Kabul, Afghan Women's Voices, Zan - e Rooz.

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The article does not reflect the official opinion of the AISS.