Crisis: Responsibilities and the necessity of a new approach

Afghanistan, a country with a long history of war and instability, is still in the grip of one of its most difficult crises. This crisis is not only the product of the performance of a group or a single factor, but the result of a complex and multidimensional interaction between the ruling group, the international community, political strata and the people of Afghanistan.

In order to successfully overcome this situation and achieve lasting peace and stability, it is necessary to examine the factors of the crisis and its solutions with a deeper look and a more comprehensive assessment.

1. Governing group: Totalitarian ideology

The Taliban’s way of governing, whether in the first period of rule or during the last three years, shows the management under the control of an extreme, 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 policies of the Taliban in order to institutionalize this ideology can be seen in the following cases:

Systematic repression: The Taliban try to maintain power with tools such as field trials, torture, physical elimination and brutal revenge against opponents. These practices, which have been widely documented by reputable national and international bodies, have not only not decreased, but have intensified.

Ignoring all legal mechanisms and standards (national and international) and denying people’s basic rights has trapped the society in a cycle of deep fear and mistrust towards the present and the future.

Monopoly of power: The Taliban have not only excluded different ethnicities and classes from participating in power, but also severely suppress any dissenting voice, even among themselves. This exclusivity is the main obstacle in the way of creating 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 the correct interpretation of religion and international standards as a sin.

The leaders of this group believe that only they have a true understanding of Islam and expect unconditional allegiance from the people of Afghanistan, while they also ask the international community to follow their orders without question. This approach has not only put the Afghan society in an intellectual dilemma, but also distorted the face of Islam in the world.

2. Global society: Passive or interest-oriented?

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

Conflict of interest: Instead of focusing on the sustainable solution of the Afghan crisis through a transparent and comprehensive 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 had limited support for this group due to regional rivalries. Meanwhile, the Taliban are still considered a threat to regional and global security.

Lack of a comprehensive strategy: So far, the international community has not been able to create a single and coherent strategy to deal with the Taliban. This dispersion enabled the Taliban to exploit the existing contradictions and strengthen their positions.

3. 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 in this path are:

Silence against oppression: Afghan women and girls have bravely stood up against oppression for the past three years. If men were also with them, maybe today’s situation would be different.

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

Flight of elites: The mass migration of elites has deprived Afghanistan of its valuable human resources. These people should return and play a role in the reconstruction of the country if the conditions are met.

The role of political classes: Some former political leaders no longer have a place among the people. Their abuse of ethnic feelings will lead to their isolation and notoriety. Instead, clean-handed politicians should focus on integration and building a national system instead of revenge.

Consequences of the continuation of the crisis for Afghanistan and the world.

For Afghanistan: Increase in poverty and unemployment, suppression of freedoms, widespread violation of human rights and deprivation of women from education are among the consequences of this crisis. The continuation of this process will turn Afghanistan into an isolated and defeated country.

For the region and the world: Afghanistan under the control of the Taliban has become a safe base for terrorist groups and will threaten regional and global security. Also, the current government will question human values ​​and cause the spread of extremism.

Solutions: Joint responsibility and multilateral approach

To get out of 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 institutions can reduce the Taliban’s power.

Strengthening internal unity: The people and political strata of Afghanistan should learn from past differences and strive to create a national system based on law and public opinion.

Investing in education and awareness: Education and awareness are the keys to sustainable change in Afghanistan. The international community and Afghan elites should focus on strengthening the educational infrastructure.

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

Afghanistan will overcome the current crisis only when a political system based on law, justice and public participation with broad social foundations is established. Such a system should be representative of all ethnicities and classes and be based on the principles of equality, human rights and the rule of law.

This goal will be achieved only through the responsible cooperation of all parties. The future of this country depends on a deep understanding of this shared responsibility.