Interview with Dr. Mir Abdul Rahim Aziz

Interview with Dr. Mir Abdul Rahim Aziz

“The Taliban system can only gain national and international legitimacy if it represents the will of the people.”

 

(Published in Dawat Magazine Issue No. 242, also presented to the readers of Dawat Media 24)

 

Bazgar: In your opinion, what led to the fall of the Afghan government to the Taliban in August of last year?

Dr. Mir Abdul Rahim Aziz:
Foreign invasions often give rise to national resistance, which can vary depending on each country’s conditions. Imposing a corrupt puppet regime under misleading slogans like “promoting democracy” or “socialism” cannot suppress anti-colonial struggles. Furthermore, spreading corruption accelerates the course of resistance. Encouraging ethnic, linguistic, and racial divisions undeniably hastens the downfall of a regime. We witnessed all these unfortunate signs in the collapse of the corrupt, Western-backed government in Afghanistan—a puppet regime that disintegrated in disgrace in less than an hour after 20 years of servitude.

 

Bazgar: Those who held high military positions are now speaking of “resistance.” Why didn’t they act when they had full military power at their disposal?

Dr. Aziz:
These fugitives now speak of resistance, yet they fled with such cowardice and speed that history has rarely seen. It’s unlikely that these cowards and identity-less individuals can ever regain the Afghan people’s trust. However, one must not forget that colonial powers are always lurking and may continue to use such corrupt and unprincipled individuals. Don’t be surprised if one day people like Karzai, Atta, Ghani, the Massoud brothers, or Dostum return with new slogans, attempting to ride again on the shoulders of the people.

 

Bazgar: Can those who replace the national flag with factional flags truly claim to lead a national resistance? Everyone calls Ashraf Ghani a traitor and fugitive. But if we accept that Ghani was a traitor, why didn’t others like former Defense Minister Bismillah Khan, First Vice President Amrullah Saleh, NDS Chief Ahmad Zia Saraj, and others—who claimed to be patriotic—resist and defend the country and people with the resources they had? Why is only Ghani labeled as a fugitive while the rest are seen as merely “leavers”?

Dr. Aziz:
The national flag is the symbol of Afghanistan’s unity, and no individual or group—including the Taliban—has the right to replace it with factional or sectarian banners. Most of these fugitives belonged to the divisive jihadi factions that have always played a role in Afghanistan’s destruction. Their treacherous activities from within the former regime contributed significantly to its collapse. The so-called “National Resistance Front” has never been national. It has always served foreign interests and operated under foreign orders. These groups have deep disdain for the national flag, seeing it as an obstacle to their dominance.

The traitors now try to blame each other to confuse public opinion. The dishonored groups like the Shura-yi Nazar and the Islamic Society of Afghanistan want to scapegoat Ghani alone for their humiliating defeat. In truth, Ghani was the last to flee. Others—Amrullah Saleh, Dostum, Atta, Qanooni, the Massoud brothers, Mohaqiq, Khalil, and dozens of other sellouts—had already chosen escape over standing their ground.

Former Defense Minister Bismillah Khan, who never obeyed Ghani and only followed American orders, had access to hundreds of thousands of troops and could have resisted. Yet, he too fled shamelessly. Yes, like Ghani, these people were all colonial agents and traitors to the nation.

 

Bazgar: What is your view on the Taliban’s rule and dominance over the country?

Dr. Mir Abdul Rahim Aziz:
Sovereignty belongs to the people and is indivisible. No king, prince, sultan, or president has the right to usurp the people’s sovereignty. A government can only gain legitimacy if it has the consent of its people. Otherwise, public resistance will rise—as we saw during the past 20 years. The Taliban regime will only gain national and international legitimacy when it reflects the will of the people. That alone can raise its global credibility.

Bazgar: Currently, some propose a federal system as a solution for Afghanistan. What is your opinion on this?

Dr. Aziz:
A federal system is by no means a solution for a unified Afghanistan. In fact, it would lead to the fragmentation and destruction of the country. The federalism slogan is promoted by separatist elements abroad who want to deliberately lead Afghanistan toward total collapse. The disintegration of Afghanistan is a long-standing dream of both Iran and Pakistan. A closer look reveals that those advocating for federalism often have political and sectarian ties with foreign powers. In today’s Afghanistan, federalism would mean the complete erasure of our country.
Also, let’s not forget—federalism has no inherent connection with democracy. The political institutions of non-federal countries like France, Italy, Sweden, and Norway are far more democratic than the United States. Even non-democratic Russia and fascist Pakistan call themselves “federal states.”

 

Bazgar: Who do you consider a national hero? And how would you define a national hero?

Dr. Aziz:
A national hero is someone who has not committed even the slightest betrayal against their homeland and people, and who has never signed secret or open agreements with invaders. Therefore, identity-less, anti-national figures like Hamid Karzai, Ahmad Shah Massoud, Ashraf Ghani, Abdullah Abdullah, Dostum, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, Sayyaf, Mohaqiq, Khalili, and many others can never be considered national heroes.
It must be noted that such titles are often bestowed by foreign colonial forces on individuals who serve their interests.

 

Bazgar: What is your view on Afghanistan’s frozen assets in the United States and America’s control and distribution of that money?

Dr. Aziz:
Afghanistan’s frozen funds in the U.S. belong to the people of Afghanistan, not to the Taliban. The confiscation of these funds is nothing short of global-scale theft by the world’s most powerful country. America is essentially stealing our people’s money. This act blatantly violates all international norms and laws. The U.S. is using this as revenge for its humiliating defeat in Afghanistan.

 

Bazgar: What steps do you believe should be taken to establish a national and people-oriented government that represents the will of the majority in Afghanistan?

Dr. Aziz:
As I mentioned earlier, sovereignty belongs to the people, and they have the right to determine their own fate through free and fair participation. For any system to be legitimate, it must have deep public roots and broad support from the people. Therefore, the first step is to form a national consensus, which would pave the way for elections and the establishment of a broad-based government that represents all Afghan citizens. No imposed system can last long. Our unfortunate people have suffered through this bitter truth for over 40 years.

Bazgar: What are the most urgent needs of the Afghan people under the current circumstances?

Dr. Aziz:
At present, people need security, a healthy economy, sufficient food, fair employment opportunities, education, personal freedoms, and the implementation of equality and social justice. The Taliban must come to terms with both the Afghan people and the international community to ensure that the country’s youth can grow in a healthy and hopeful environment.

 

Bazgar: What is the responsibility of every patriotic Afghan under these conditions?

Dr. Aziz:
Every Afghan who loves their country should abandon all forms of prejudice and refuse to serve foreign interests. Only then can they make a meaningful contribution to their people and country. Otherwise, they have no right to criticize anyone.

 

Bazgar: How can Afghans living abroad be of service to their fellow citizens during these difficult times?

Dr. Aziz:
Our compatriots abroad—many of whom are victims of betrayal by traitors and foreign invasions—can still support the people from afar. Through humanitarian organizations, visits to the country, direct communication with the people, financial support within their means, transferring knowledge to the younger generation, and contributing to reconstruction efforts, they can provide valuable services.
But all of this must be sincere, and unlike the self-serving elites of the past 20 years who looted the country under the guise of development and education.

 

Bazgar: How do you see the future of Afghanistan?

Dr. Mir Abdul Rahim Aziz:
It is very difficult to predict Afghanistan’s future with precision. However, certain key factors—both domestic and international—can be considered:
Any government must have legitimacy, and legitimacy comes from the people. As long as a government does not establish strong internal foundations, it will always remain vulnerable to internal unrest and foreign interventions.
Any regime that comes to power in Afghanistan must understand that ruling today is not like it was 100 years ago.
With this realistic understanding, I see a bright future for Afghanistan. Without it, the current miserable state will continue indefinitely.

Bazgar: What is your opinion about the Dawat Media Center (based in Norway), and how can Dawat Media better serve the Afghan community inside and outside the country?

Dr. Aziz:
Dawat Media Center has rendered commendable services to its people over the years. By utilizing modern technology, drawing from past experiences, and remaining committed to the ideals of national struggle and service, Dawat can amplify its voice and awaken greater public awareness of their historic responsibilities.
I see this capacity in you, dear friend, and in the rest of the Dawat team.
I wish you continued success.

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