There is so much that does not work in Afghanistan. Failure is probably the first word that comes to mind when I think of Afghan government. Legitimacy can no longer be gained by political promises or slogans. Improving conditions of life is not going to come without improved public service delivery at all levels. 2014 is coming fast. Doubt defines analysis of government's capacity to prevent chaos. Of course, the definition brings nothing but uncertainty. From Afghan to American, everyone is in fear, fear of the unknown. Something very bad is expected to happen, though no one knows what that might be. Afghans are either leaving the country or are encouraging their families to leave. Their foreign friends offer sympathy. Hardly anyone says: Don't lose hope, go back, if it is a mess, you have to make it right, no one else will. And even if someone says, Afghans are too caught up in their dependence on others to take responsibility for the mess they are in and do something about it.
I am not sure how I felt after watching President Karzai's interview with Yalda Hakim. I dont know if I want to believe in what he said or not. But it did move me and I cannot resist admitting this despite being skeptical of the situation. The fact that I am writing about it says something. He came out as everything for everyone. He was humble like never before and towards everyone, his fellow Afghans, Taliban, neighbors or brothers as he calls them and the broader international community including the US. His answers were revealing of weaknesses of all. He did not spare any side, neither Afghans, nor neighbors, nor the US. His message was genuine, or may be it is just me. I saw a lot of heart in what he said, which is probably what moved me, since normally we don't expect politicians to have any, for all the wrong reasons. And as a result we deprive them of the force of our expectations, which may eventually bring the good out in them, or so I hope. He showed confidence in the people, in the government and in their ability to protect and defend the homeland. But behind that confidence was a sense of helplessness, given that most educated Afghans are either living in other countries or are planning to live. It is hard to challenge individual decisions, but it is painful to see social capital leaving Afghanistan. He finished with a call on Afghans to stay and build their country.Will we listen? I for one, can only hope for others to join.
I am not sure how I felt after watching President Karzai's interview with Yalda Hakim. I dont know if I want to believe in what he said or not. But it did move me and I cannot resist admitting this despite being skeptical of the situation. The fact that I am writing about it says something. He came out as everything for everyone. He was humble like never before and towards everyone, his fellow Afghans, Taliban, neighbors or brothers as he calls them and the broader international community including the US. His answers were revealing of weaknesses of all. He did not spare any side, neither Afghans, nor neighbors, nor the US. His message was genuine, or may be it is just me. I saw a lot of heart in what he said, which is probably what moved me, since normally we don't expect politicians to have any, for all the wrong reasons. And as a result we deprive them of the force of our expectations, which may eventually bring the good out in them, or so I hope. He showed confidence in the people, in the government and in their ability to protect and defend the homeland. But behind that confidence was a sense of helplessness, given that most educated Afghans are either living in other countries or are planning to live. It is hard to challenge individual decisions, but it is painful to see social capital leaving Afghanistan. He finished with a call on Afghans to stay and build their country.Will we listen? I for one, can only hope for others to join.