Establishing peace in
Afghanistan
With the
withdrawal of Nato forces from Afghanistan fears of another civil war in the
country are being expressed. Ironically Hamid Karzai was installed and
supported by the United Sates but now a scenario is being painted of growing
distance between the two partners.
Has heart
and mind of Karzai changed or he is trying to create an illusion that he is the
best friend of Afghans?
One should
never forget that Karzai’s rule is only because of the US support; else he rules
only a small part of country. Some cynics even go to that extent of saying that
he is President of Kabul not of Afghanistan.
One of the
questions often asked is, can an Afghan think like a normal person? Most
regrettably the reply is in negative because the country is persistently in the
state of war for more than four decades.
Those born
and brought up under the prevailing situation think about killing the enemy
before he kills them. The level of mistrust is very high because of presence of
double agents, working simultaneously for Taliban as well as Nato.
Since other
sources of income have virtually vanished due to the horrendous war, loyalties
can be purchased with money.
It is not a
secret that Afghanistan has once again emerged as one of the largest producer
of poppy; hundreds of labs are also operating in the country. For the safe
transfer of drugs millions of dollars are paid as transit free to clan chiefs.
The rule is
simple either you join the party or be prepared to die because the business has
to continue as usual. Previously it was said that power corrupts people but the
new term is you can corrupt anyone and everyone by paying money.
It is also
on record that soldiers belonging to certain countries are hardly attacked
because they take good care of people living in the area. They have help in
building schools and hospitals, improving logistics and even generating
electricity.
A question
remains, why do Afghans hate Nato soldiers in general and US troops in
particular?
The reply is
simple ‘they consider Nato soldiers occupiers’ and also believe that the entire
drama has been staged to get control over their resources.
Everyone
knows that Afghanistan is reach in fossil oil, gas, minerals and above all
precious metals. Afghans also believe that instead of creating job
opportunities for people everyone is made to fight for his survival, just by
killing others.
No doubt
Afghans are simple Muslims and don’t like what the Americans have been trying
to teach them. They have their own norms and anyone trying to violate these is
disliked. The situation often gets real nasty because they are told to do
certain things which their society doesn't approve.
In fact
various groups have been created and are being supported by the neighboring
countries. Oldest and the most amicable relationships have been between Afghanistan
and Pakistan and Afghanistan and Iran.
People
living in these three countries have been moving freely and conducting trade.
One could still recall the days when Pak rupee was used as second currency in
Afghanistan.
However,
lately Indians are also trying to prove that they are friends of Afghans but
also using them against Pakistan, the way United States has used Afghans
against Iran.
In this race
some of the Central Asian countries have also joined, especially using Afghans
living in Northern areas against Pakistan and Iran.
Therefore,
establishing peace in Afghanistan will not be possible unless all these
stakeholders join hands and also learn to differentiate between friends and
foes.
Being a landlocked
country Afghans has to come at terms with Pakistan rather than towing the
Indian agenda of establishing its hegemony in the region.
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