During the last forty years in Afghanistan, many groups and figures have claimed armed resistance and political struggle. One of them is Ahmad Massoud, who attempted to capitalize on the name and legacy of his father, Ahmad Shah Massoud. However, as time passed, it became clear that neither his armed resistance succeeded nor did his virtual world campaigns yield any practical results.
After 2021, Ahmad Massoud declared armed resistance under the banner of the National Resistance Front, but this front quickly faced a lack of widespread support and organized structures. Not only did they not achieve any gains on the battlefield, but most of the local resistance commanders were either killed or left the battlefield. Therefore, his armed struggle was doomed from the very first day.
When his armed resistance became tasteless and colorless, he tried to make a name for himself in the virtual world. Campaigns were being run for Ahmad Massoud thru Western media and some political lobbying groups. He was invited to meetings and conferences in the media, and even the issues of an American visa and political support were raised. Now, four years later, this virtual campaign has also lost its appeal. The fourth anniversary of the fight and the twenty-fourth anniversaries of the September 9th and 11th events did not receive the same media coverage as in the past. His speeches, writings, and interviews are not taken seriously by the countries of the region, nor do international actors count on him.
Initially, the world saw Ahmad Massoud as a new political figure, with promises of support and assistance being made. However, as time went on, it became clear that he lacked practical ability and influence. The world left those empty promises behind, Ahmad Massoud was left alone, and his claims remained only on the pages of the media instead of leading to practical change. This is the second time he’s been defeated. He fled the battlefield during the Republic, then tried to regain his lost status, but was once again met with a defeat that will likely remove him from the political arena.
Today, the armed resistance of the young and naive commander Ahmad Massoud is completely over, and the wave of virtual resistance has also moved toward isolation. He has no significant support within Afghanistan, nor does the region or the world value him. His political claims are empty promises, and his talk of future plans is just empty rhetoric. Now, he is known to the public as a reclusive and ineffective political figure who has no place in the field or in the media. His achievements are zero, and his future is limited to the framework of claims.
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.
