May 20, 2022

The farcical unity of Afghanistan's elite

topic:	Transparency and Corruption
located:	Afghanistan
editor:	Shadi Khan Saif

As the Taliban's oppressive rule over Afghanistan enters its ninth month, a group of Afghan elites, who have dominated the war-torn country's socio-economic and political arena for decades, have gathered in Turkey in an apparent show of unity for the salvation of the people.

Anyone fostering hopes from this gathering of the tried-and-tested warlords turned absurdly-rich politicians must be cautious and note what the lot had to say after their huddle and how the Taliban has reacted to it.

The newly-formed 'Supreme Council of National Resistance to Save Afghanistan', as they have called themselves, issued a statement legitimising the armed resistance in Afghanistan, saying that the continuation of the Taliban's so-called Islamic Emirate will lead to deteriorating humanitarian conditions, drug trafficking, increased emmigration and Afghanistan becoming a safe haven for terrorists - sounds quite genuine and fair. But plenty of recent and past statements from this elite group are worrying since they inflame hatred and do not propose solutions, which resonates with the vicious cycle of the past that has led to the catastrophic state of affairs in Afghanistan in the first place.

It was the bitter selfishness of the same lot of men, which peddled identity politics and accumulated wealth to an extreme level, that has undermined the institutionalisation of the  State in Afghanistan. They proudly defied the rule of law, justice and accountability throughout the 20 years of golden opportunity when the international community - besides peddling its own agenda - invested generously in the devastated country. A simple comparison of their past economic profile and current lavish lifestyle - which contrasts sharply to that of the common people in their constituencies - would present a clear picture of their priorities in life and for the country.

The growing disparity between the rich and the poor, and the normalisation of corruption, lying and cheating was leading the country towards a calamity before the US' rush to exit. Their latest show in Turkey is nothing but an apparent political bluff to exploit the situation.

Having said that, by no means can one justify the way the de facto rulers of the country are proceeding with their way of governance, which is utterly oppressive, deeply misogynistic and monopolised in all senses. Under their iron-fisted rule, the once-robust, critical and independent Afghan media is evidently under chains. According to Amnesty International, 6,400 journalists have lost their jobs since the Taliban took power. At the same time, 231 media outlets have been shut down, and many are facing security threats and financial problems. Amnesty International added that 80 journalists and media workers have been detained and harassed during this period. The organisation stated that female journalists have suffered the most.    

The Taliban recently directed female presenters to cover their faces while appearing on TV screens. It has also shown its oppressive agenda by restricting girls' education and many other civil liberties that could have paved the foundation for a thriving society, but are brazenly curbed by the group.

Afghanistan's political elite, as well as the Taliban, must realise that power and fortune are not eternal -  who knows this better than the Afghans who often experience the toppling of the entire state? Therefore they should hold justice, service to the nation and total equality for all over their own priorities.

Image by Zahid

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