Responsible democracy to end sufferings in Afghanistan

topic:	Human Rights
located:	Afghanistan
editor:	Shadi Khan Saif

Afghanistan arguably passes through the most critical moments in its history amid the elections and peace parley, requiring beyond ordinary commitment from the Afghans to fix their own destiny.

As a country synonymous with all sorts of security hazards and sociopolitical hitches, Afghanistan can embrace these moments with responsibility and dignity in a bid to save its future generations from the evils of war and bickering it has experienced over the past many generations.

After holding the landmark presidential polls in a relatively peaceful environment (by Afghanistan’s standards) the much difficult phase of sorting and counting process is already facing turbulences. With the haunting memories of the 2014 polls in mind, the public can simply not afford a repeat of the political bickering that spread across shockwaves about a potential armed war between the rival factions.

Responsible maturity from the candidates and other players in the political arena is pivotal in regard to safeguarding the integrity of the democratic process for generations to come. Especially, since these polls have been held against the will of the insurgents who continue to undermine and flay the people's say in the future of their country.

The politicians need not drag the process of uncertainties for short-term goals and self-serving purposes. A leadership elected through a legitimate vote of the public can lead the long-awaited peace negotiations with the Taliban insurgents from a reverent position in a bid to safeguard the gains and values the war-ravaged country has been able to gain and preserve in the past years.

Anything less than that would leave room for out of the way compromises and settlements that can very well jeopardise the whole state-building efforts, regardless of how fragile, little or late this might have been.

Escaping moral responsibility is also not an option for the international community. From a frontline state in the fight between the forces of so-called ‘Free World’ against the perceived evil forces of communism, in the 1980s, Afghanistan has now practically become a frontline state in the global fight against extremism and terrorism.

Entering the 19th year of this war, the Afghan conflict has given birth to a new generation of war kids that have no experience of peace times in their life. They deserve a much better life.

Call to Action

Defend the safety and human rights of Afghan women an dchildren