After August 15, 2021, most of the former politicians and civil war leaders who played a significant role during Afghanistan’s twenty-year republic and occupation surrendered. Some escaped on American planes via Kabul International Airport, and many politicians, including leaders of the Jamiat Party and the Northern Alliance, fled to Pakistan, Iran, and other neighboring countries.
A prominent figure from the Jamiat Party and the fallen republic in the west of the country, who served the interests of foreign invaders for twenty years, surrendered and was granted asylum in Herat after a failed resistance during political developments. However, he betrayed them and went to neighboring Iran, where he began supporting proxy and imaginary groups to restore his lost status thru these groups. But this was also a failed attempt, just like the previous ones. After all these efforts, he has now turned to propaganda statements and is spreading rumors.
In recent statements, Ismail Khan claimed that the current government of Afghanistan is not sustainable and that if conditions are right, active opposition forces will not remain silent and will fight for freedom (!). will take practical steps for. These statements are made at a time when many groups, including him, as well as political and military leaders, have been isolated, internal divisions have intensified, distrust has increased, and political and military activity in the country is impossible due to the lack of popular support.
In light of Ismail Khan’s background, actions, and current situation, such statements are far from the truth and are merely a political slogan aimed at confusing the public. Ismail Khan was a prominent figure in the internal conflicts of the 1990s, but in this dark chapter of warlordism, he is not portrayed as a hero; only escape and defeat are recorded.
Ismail Khan was defeated in direct war and fled to Iran during the expansion of the first Islamic Emirate’s rule in 1995. Later, under various slogans, he led the western front of Jamiat, but even then, the slogans did not create a cohesive military structure, nor did they have the ability to defend Herat long-term. In 2021, they repeated the same action and, after going to Iran, engaged in opposition, which now has neither a cohesive military structure nor significant movements.
It’s enough to say that if Ismail Khan couldn’t sustain resistance against the first era of the Islamic Emirate, how could he resist the current, more cohesive, organized, and extensive government!? From 2001 to 2021, Ismail Khan held a strong political position within the structure of the collapsed republic, emerging as a governor, minister, and powerful regional warlord. However, he never spoke out about the true freedom of the country and accepted the presence of foreign troops for twenty years, even being recognized as a fundamental supporter. Today, when the country has truly gained independence and freedom, he opposes the institutions of the system and the freedom (!) They want to sacrifice the children of the oppressed nation for the interests of foreigners under the guise of slogans.
During 2021, the defeat of Ismail Khan in the series of developments carries clear messages; despite his apparent declaration of defending Herat, the battle ended in a few days, and he was unable to resist, including with his militias. His criminal networks and power have been fragmented and weakened compared to previous years. Ismail Khan was unable to continuously defend Herat for more than a few weeks, so how can he promote warnings and threats about major political and military chapters across Afghanistan while in exile?
Another significant challenge to Ismail Khan’s current situation is the internal divisions within his circle and the general division among his opponents; in just the past few weeks, a key commander of Ismail Khan, Maroof Ghulami, was killed in Mashhad, a clear example of deep divisions within his networks and killings over personal interests. Deep divisions within his group, his absence from Afghan territory, the strengthening of the Afghan government, the fragmentation of the Jamiat party and opposition groups in general are factors that have eliminated the practical possibility of any cohesive opposition. Therefore, Ismail Khan’s threats and warnings are merely rumors.
Note: The articles, essays, and comments published by the Voice of Hindukush only reflect the views of the authors & writers and do not necessarily represent the agreement of the Voice of Hindukush.
