Discussions about the sustainability, endurance, and lifespan of governments in Afghanistan that are burdened by foreign ideologies and support occasionally heat up. Each side attempts to view this issue from its own perspective and provide reasons for it. This discussion has resurfaced in Afghanistan following the collapse of the republic established with direct Western support based on Western democracy. The previous republican administration was imposed on the Afghan people after the direct invasion of Afghanistan by the United States and the overthrow of the government that emerged from the Afghan context and essence.
The foundation and basis of that government were Western democracy and the values of democracy. All institutions, structures, laws, and courts were established based on these values. A fierce military, cultural, and extensive propaganda war was waged in Afghanistan for its survival and sustainability. Billions of dollars were spent, and the blood of tens of thousands of Afghans was shed, some in defense and others in opposition. After nearly two decades of this struggle and conflict, this system, built on democracy, foreign values, and ideologies, brought nothing to the Afghans but death, misfortune, poverty, addiction, displacement, and chaos.
Under the influence of foreigners, a system and structure based on foreign ideologies and values brought disgrace to millions of Afghans. Millions more fell into addiction and other misfortunes, developed mental health issues, some of which even led to suicide. Millions of others were forced to emigrate, their social lives were disrupted, and corruption, theft, oppression, crimes, and embezzlement reached unprecedented levels. Widespread chaos ensued due to the clash between foreign values and our national and Islamic values, resulting in many other negative and destructive outcomes. However, after this twenty-year struggle, such a system could not withstand even two weeks and collapsed. No one shed tears for it; on the contrary, millions performed prostrations of gratitude at its demise.
This was not only the fate and survival of the previous republican administration and democratic system, but also the imposition of communist and any other foreign and oppressive ideologies in this country that faced a similar fate. It has been proven both domestically and to foreign countries and superpowers that systems and governments based on foreign ideologies and values in Afghanistan do not have any durability or sustainability. It is even more interesting that now the same old systems and structures have been tested, with the same old figures beating the drums abroad for the reconstruction of systems and governance based on those same ideas and values.
But they do not ask themselves how long their regime and government lasted when they were built on those shattered values and ideas. Despite billions of dollars in expenditures and foreign support, why did it collapse? They do not ask themselves how many Afghans were satisfied with that regime? How much misery did it bring to the common people? How many innocent people were sacrificed for those foreign and mercenary values, and what was the final outcome? Yet, they are still at it, shamelessly calling for the reimposition of those cursed and despised values. They do not even ask themselves who will allow them to impose those values on the nation again?!
The conclusion is that the governments, systems, and structures that have come to Afghanistan on the shoulders, ideas, values, and orders of foreigners have brought nothing but misfortune and continue to do so. Here, only the survival and sustainability of those systems and governments are guaranteed that have emerged from the very fabric and essence of this society, these people, and this land, illuminated by the values, customs, and culture of this society. These types of governments may have some shortcomings and problems, but it is everyone’s responsibility to work towards solving and addressing these issues and shortcomings. Otherwise, foreigners do not stay, nor do their beds remain for anyone until dawn.
Note: The articles, essays, and comments published in Hindukush Voice only reflect the views of the authors and do not necessarily represent the agreement of Hindukush Voice.
