Jihad: A Dream That Was Looted
The fight 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 true meaning to jihad.
But after the victory, the leaders who came to power with slogans of justice, instead of realizing the aspirations of the people, took the path of betrayal. Civil wars, ethnic and partisan disputes, and widespread corruption not only destroyed the future of Afghanistan, but also trampled the blood of the martyrs of the path to freedom.
Betrayal of leaders: 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 aspirations of the people, shook the foundations of the people's trust in the path of power-seeking and partisan rivalry.
1. Civil wars and the collapse of people's trust
The differences between the power-seeking factions of the Mujahideen led to endless civil wars. Cities, especially Kabul, turned into battlefields and were reduced to ruins under the fire of bombings. The people, who wished for peace, fell victim to political disputes and factional prejudices.
2. Targeted Killings and Social Destruction
In the competition for control over various regions, some groups resorted to targeted and brutal 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 Plunder of Public Property
Instead of investing in the reconstruction of the country, leaders resorted to corruption and plunder of national resources. Due to widespread corruption, development projects 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 an unprecedented exodus 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, this presence, instead of building a bright future, 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 wishes of the people, 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 people
Projects initiated by foreign countries were mostly political and propaganda shows. Many of these projects were abandoned half-finished or poorly implemented, with no lasting impact on people’s lives.
3. Intensification of insecurity and military dependency
The excessive focus of foreign forces on military aspects, instead of strengthening state institutions, turned Afghanistan into a dependent country.
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 not even seeing their graves.
Children who work on the roads instead of going to school.
Young people who were forced to leave the country due to corruption and discrimination, despairing of the future.
New alliances: 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 pain forget their betrayals?
Conclusion: Afghanistan on the path to progress
Despite the wounds of the past, Afghanistan is today on the path to recovery and reconstruction. Although betrayals and corruption have tormented 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 do justice, but today the hope and efforts of the people are leading Afghanistan towards better days.