When the fate of a society falls prey to personal interests, betrayal, and political maneuvering, the hope for justice, progress, and stability vanishes. In recent decades of our history, the betrayal by warlords and the widespread corruption of republican officials are wounds that continue to afflict the nation.
The upper-class people, under the influence and support of others, trampled upon all the national and Islamic values of the country. Among them, former warlords incited ethnic, sectarian, and religious conflicts for their personal gains, which increased distrust and division among Afghans.
They received support from foreign intelligence agencies and powers for their political and military interests, which harmed the country’s independence. Similarly, they committed the worst atrocities of mass killings, looting, violence, and sexual assaults against the common people, which had a profound impact on the morale of the people.
In the areas under the control of warlords, the economic system collapsed, industry, agriculture, and trade suffered severe damage, and they only prioritized theft, smuggling, and illegal financial resources. Their actions hindered the country’s progress, destroyed educational and infrastructural projects, or prevented their development, all of which have adverse consequences for future generations.
In the last two decades, warlords who were considered part of the corrupt foundations of the republic committed extensive corruption under the shadow of the republic. They completely looted the state budget and either embezzled the funds for development projects or carried out substandard work with them.
In this way, they created illegal wealth for themselves through mines, lands, and commercial opportunities and began trading over the oppressed nation. They paralyzed all active institutions and systems through their private militias, political influence, and corruption. Perpetrators of crimes, war criminals, and kidnappers remained unaccountable under their shadow.
After the fall of the republic, many warlords who had amassed wealth through corruption fled to Western countries. They now live in Dubai, Turkey, the United States, and European countries, benefiting from their wealth there. Some are still trying to exert political influence and organize resistance from abroad, but the outcome is still uncertain.
Political analysts and the general public praise the Taliban’s harsh measures and clear stance against warlords, considering it a form of justice. The Taliban also view warlords as the main culprits of occupation and past wars, which is why they have preferred a tough stance against them.
Currently, warlords are no longer a direct threat to Afghanistan, as the caretaker government has dismantled their physical, military, and economic foundations.
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