Written by: Sharifullah Amin
The recent visit of the Afghan government’s technical delegation to Brussels and direct discussions with representatives of European countries on migration and consular services mark a new phase for Afghanistan’s active diplomacy and constructive relations. This meeting made it clear that international politics is gradually shifting from relying on emotions and propaganda to a focus on realism. The fact that representatives of the Afghan government are officially invited to the discussion table in the heart of Europe sends the message that the existing reality and governance in Afghanistan can no longer be denied, and that negotiations with this government are the only logical way to ensure stability in the region and the world.
But seeing this diplomatic progress, the opposing factions who have seen their survival only in the isolation of Afghanistan and the misery of the people over the past few years have spread severe anxiety and mental unrest. The protests and uproar on the streets of Europe by them are not due to any human or national pain, but rather stem from the deep fear that with the rapprochement between Afghanistan and Europe, their excuses for seeking asylum, project funding, and luxurious living abroad will be lost. They, who had invested in false propaganda for years, are now mourning the loss of their political identity.
These so-called critics have long tried to present a picture of Afghanistan to the world, suggesting that interaction with the new government would not yield good results; however, the Afghan delegation’s visit to Brussels shattered the opponents’ false propaganda. When host countries accept logical proposals and solutions instead of propaganda and emotional slogans, the propaganda efforts of opposing factions become ineffective, and attempts to damage relations are drowned out.
All countries in today’s world need each other; no one can isolate a strategic country like Afghanistan thru the mouth of a few defeated and expelled individuals. The principles of this global village demand that instead of confrontation and old failed experiences, the path of understanding and cooperation be chosen.
Hundreds of thousands of desperate Afghans residing throughout Europe are facing severe hardships in renewing and validating their basic and human rights, such as passports and other documents. The legal issues of these citizens require serious consular services, which is a fundamental right for them and should not be sacrificed for the nefarious political gains of a few individuals. The greatest injustice of these opponents is that they turn a blind eye to the problems of thousands of Afghan refugees for their own privileges; however, the Brussels meeting proved that the solution to these problems lies only in direct dialog with official and genuine parties.
The progress in diplomatic relations with other countries also clarifies the fact that the policies of sanctions and negative propaganda have no place anymore, and the future is based on constructive relationships, mutual respect, and understanding the people’s problems. Now, the rumors, propaganda, and efforts of the enemies of the Afghan government and homeland are ineffective, unsuccessful, and shameful, and the international community disregards them.
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