Written by: Colonel Nisar Balkhi
In the previous administration, the governor of Balkh and the leader of the splinter faction of Jamiat, Atta Muhammad Noor, said that being referred to as a warlord and commander is not shameful for him, and he takes pride in it. These statements are a clear example of his tyrannical and oppressive mindset and dark character. He has harmed the national wealth, unity, and social stability of the country over the years. If it had been active against the Soviets, later in internal wars and in the following years, even until now, it has not been able to contribute anything to the destruction of the country.
Atta Muhammad Noor, who considers the titles of “Warlord” to be honorable for himself, actually takes pride in his tyranny, despotism, monopoly, abductions, thefts, looting, plundering, and hundreds of other misdeeds. This is what a warlord is, and on the contrary, he disrespects those individuals who are victims of his misdeeds. These claimants of power, wealth, and force are still committed to nothing beyond their tyrannical ideologies and personal interests.
Atta Muhammad Noor had created an island of power in the north, particularly in Balkh, which is why he was referred to as an emperor. The most glaring example of his financial corruption and the privatization of national wealth was the extension of his personal and criminal network to the customs revenues of the Hairatan port. The major transit routes in the north of the country were under his and his close associates’ control, from which millions of dollars would go to their personal accounts every month.
The usurpation of lands and public properties, extortion from traders, involvement in major kidnappings, and disruption of public order and security are the dark deeds that have made him infamous among the people and widened the gap between him and the public. Moreover, during the civil wars, Atta Muhammad Noor’s anti-national actions, atrocities, looting of national wealth, and efforts to promote division became an inseparable part of his life and character.
Noor has claimed that he and his associates paved the way for Karzai and other politicians to come to power, and therefore, Karzai should thank them. But the facts are that his group were not true supporters of the republican regime; rather, they were protectors of personal interests and had a position of power against Karzai and Ghani in this regard. In the north, they challenged both presidents through the island of power, and the fragile republican regime was also helpless against them.
Taking pride in being a warlord and feeling no shame also reveals Atta Muhammad Noor’s moral decline. Although he tries to justify himself, it is now too late. Decades have passed, and this title has become part of his identity. Now, as he advocates for war and seeks to destroy the country, if he comes to power, it is a clear example of a warlord mentality.
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