Afghanistan, free but wounded; a difficult path to prosperity

Sayed Hamed Amini/ Afghanistan, an ancient and proud land, with a history full of resistance and sacrifice, remains a victim of betrayal and injustice by leaders who, instead of building a bright future, destroyed the foundations of hope and trust of the people. Betrayals that were rooted in civil wars, corruption, and dependence on foreign forces have further distanced this nation from the dream of peace and progress.
Jihad: A Dream That Was Looted
The struggle against Soviet aggression was the culmination of national resilience and hope for a free future. The people of Afghanistan, with empty hands but hearts full of faith, sacrificed everything for the country's independence. Mothers sent their children to the battlefield; fathers gave their lives for the homeland; and families, by enduring hardships, gave real meaning to jihad.
But after the victory, the leaders who had come to power with slogans of justice, instead of realizing the people's dreams, took the path of betrayal. Civil wars, ethnic and party disputes, and widespread corruption not only destroyed the future of Afghanistan, but also trampled the blood of the martyrs of the path to freedom.
Leadership Betrayal: From Disputes to the Destruction of the Country
Leaders who were supposed to be the guardians of the blood of the martyrs and defenders of the people's dreams, shook the foundations of people's trust in the path of power-seeking and party rivalry.
1. Civil Wars and the Collapse of Public Trust
Disputes between the power-seeking factions of the Mujahideen led to endless civil wars. Cities, especially Kabul, were turned into battlefields and reduced to ruins under the fire of bombing. People, who longed for peace, fell victim to political differences and factional prejudices.
2. Targeted Killings and Social Destruction
In the competition for control of different areas, some groups resorted to targeted and ruthless killings. These actions, by creating fear and insecurity, destroyed society from within. Many families lost their loved ones and the foundations of social cohesion collapsed.
3. Corruption and Looting of Public Property
Instead of investing in the reconstruction of the country, leaders resorted to corruption and looting of national resources. Development projects, due to widespread corruption, either never came to fruition or were implemented only for political propaganda.
4. Discrimination and the destruction of equal opportunities
The ethnic, linguistic and religious discriminations practiced by some leaders led to widespread despair and unprecedented migration of young people. Social justice, which was the ideal of the people's struggles, became a soulless slogan.
5. Drug trade and the destruction of the young generation
The drug trade, which had become a source of finance for some factions, destroyed the country's economy and plunged the future of the young generation into addiction and poverty.
The entry of foreign forces: re-occupation and double betrayal
With the entry of foreign forces into Afghanistan in the early 2000s, hopes were formed for the reconstruction of the country. However, instead of building a bright future, this presence paved the way for new betrayals.
Dimensions of betrayal during the presence of foreigners
1. Widespread corruption in cooperation with foreign forces
Instead of paying attention to the people's wishes, foreign forces cooperated with corrupt Afghan leaders and strengthened inefficient and corrupt structures. Billions of dollars in foreign aid went into the pockets of certain individuals, while ordinary people continued to live in poverty and deprivation.
2. Lack of real investment in the people
Projects initiated by foreign countries were mostly political and propaganda shows. Many of these projects were abandoned half-finished or implemented with poor quality and had no lasting impact on the lives of the people.
3. Intensification of insecurity and military dependence
The excessive focus of foreign forces on military aspects turned Afghanistan into a dependent country instead of strengthening state institutions.
4. Indirect support for the drug trade
Despite claims of fighting drugs, this trade became one of the main sources of income for various factions during the presence of foreigners.
The Afghan people; the main victims
In all these developments, the Afghan people, especially women, children and youth, have been the main victims:
Mothers who lost their children in the war, while they did not even see their graves.
Children who work on the streets instead of going to school.
Young people who were forced to leave the country, disappointed with the future due to corruption and discrimination.
New coalitions: Betrayal again?
Leaders who for decades only thought about their own interests have now gathered abroad and are trying to regain the trust of the people with new slogans. But can a nation that has endured so much suffering forget their betrayals?
Conclusion: Afghanistan on the path to progress
Despite the wounds of the past, Afghanistan is today on the path of recovery and reconstruction. Although betrayals and corruption have suffered the nation, the people of this land are walking towards a better future with a firm will.
Our country is free and every day more signs of progress and prosperity are seen. With empathy and effort, the people of Afghanistan have proven that they can leave the past behind and build a brighter future. History will deliver justice, but today, the hope and efforts of the people are leading Afghanistan towards better days.