Written by: Arsala Shahin
Recently, certain circles and individuals are once again deliberately raising the issue of “Afghan identity” in a way that denies the historical, legal, and social concept of Afghan identity. This matter is neither new nor random; rather, it is driven by political complexes, an identity crisis, and a lack of awareness of historical realities. The issue of identity is often raised by people under the influence of foreign intelligence, who want to manipulate the identity issue for the benefit of others and lead Afghanistan toward disintegration by destroying this identity.
The opponents of Afghan identity are currently those contract politicians and their ignorant followers who, under the pretext of hostility toward the Afghan government, reflect the demand for the disintegration of Afghanistan. They believe that by destroying and disintegrating Afghan identity, they can establish separate, independent rule and overthrow the current central government. Afghan opponents view identity as an emotional product, not as a matter of history, geography, and national unity. Afghan identity is a topic linked to the shared destiny of citizens residing in the geography of Afghanistan and has remained a common definition for all residents of this land for centuries.
Historically, the name and identity of “Afghan” for this land does not represent just one language or ethnicity, but is part of international historical sources, maps, and official documents as a political and geographical identity. From Islamic-era historians to contemporary international documents, Afghanistan has been recognized as an independent country and Afghan as the name of its citizens. Denying this reality is not scientific criticism but is essentially turning a blind eye to document historical facts.
From a legal perspective, Afghan is the official name of Afghan citizenship. In all the laws and identity documents of the country, “Afghan” has been used for all citizens of Afghanistan, regardless of their linguistic, ethnic, or religious differences. This is the principle that forms the foundation of national identity in modern states. Those who deny Afghan identity are actually having a problem with the concept of citizenship itself, not just with a single word.
From a social and historical perspective, all ethnic groups in Afghanistan have shared common joys, sorrows, wars, and sacrifices under the shadow of this identity. Every nation of this land has been a part of its formation, defense, and survival. Rejecting Afghanistan is rejecting the same shared history, shared pain, and shared destiny, which is neither in the interest of Afghans nor can it play a role in the survival of this land.
Politically, opponents also deny Afghan identity as a tool to undermine national unity. Such discussions are generally revived when opposition groups see the fragmentation of Afghan society to serve foreign political goals and personal interests.
Afghan identity is not tied to any specific language, culture, or ethnic group in Afghanistan, nor is it a symbol of dominance by a particular ethnic group. It is the shared identity and name of a historical nation. The Afghan nation must not allow anyone to stand against the opponents of the Afghan government for the sake of foreign political interests and their own personal gains, against a historical identity, and in reality, against national unity. Opponents should not wage enmity against historical facts under the pretext of enmity with the government.
Islam, as a common religion among Afghans, and subsequently its impact on Afghan identity, along with the gathering of the people of Afghanistan, led this believing and mujahid nation to defeat three superpowers in a century, gain independence three times, and currently, with a central government in place, all stakeholders of this identity benefit from the advantages of the Islamic system and live with dignity.
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