Nearly half a century of unrelenting conflict has left Afghanistan exhausted, socially divided, politically isolated, educationally paralyzed, and economically crippled. We have endured invasions, civil wars, foreign occupations, and proxy battles fought on our soil. Each was justified by its initiators in the name of “liberation,” “justice,” or “national interest.” Yet the reality before us is undeniable: a nation still struggling to stand on its feet, and a people paying the devastating price of endless wars.
I have strong disagreements with some internal and external policies of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA). I am sure that some of its decisions isolate us from the international community, fail to meet the aspirations of our people, and neglect the diversity and potential of Afghan society. I believe that many policies require urgent reform to ensure inclusivity, accountability, merit and long-term stability. These are not small criticisms, they are fundamental issues that demand serious attention. Though, let me be unequivocal that these criticisms do not, and will never, justify taking up arms against the current regime. Armed opposition is not a solution; it is a return to the same destructive cycle that has robbed generations of Afghans of peace.
Some voices, inside and outside the country, are again calling for armed resistance. They organize clandestine meetings, promote narratives of “liberation,” and seek foreign sponsorship to fund their campaigns. We have seen this script before. It has always ended the same way, with Afghans killing Afghans, while external actors exploit our suffering for their own strategic gains. I reject not only the notion of armed rebellion but also any attempt to legitimize it through such gatherings, negotiations, or platforms. These efforts do not represent the will of the Afghan people; they represent agendas that have historically plunged us deeper into chaos.
True patriotism today demands rejecting the easy rhetoric of war and embracing the harder work of peace. This means engaging in dialogue, advocating for reform, and holding those in power accountable through non-violent means. It means investing in education, building institutions, and addressing the economic despair that fuels instability. It requires recognizing that Afghanistan’s challenges are not military in nature, they are political, social, and economic, and they require political, social, and economic solutions.
Violence does not solve political disputes; it silences dialogue. It destroys the very space where reform and compromise can happen. The belief that armed conflict can lead to freedom is a dangerous illusion, one that has kept us trapped in cycles of destruction for decades. Lasting legitimacy cannot be won on the battlefield; it must be earned through governance that respects the rights and dignity of all citizens.
Policies that silence dissent risk weakening the very foundations of a nation. Constructive criticism, voiced respectfully, is essential to prevent harm to our people and to unlock our country’s potential. History shows that nations cannot prosper when every disagreement is branded as hostility. What Afghanistan needs today is peace, not another war disguised as “resistance.” Our children deserve classrooms, not trenches. Our economy requires investment, not destruction. Our future depends on unity, not another civil war.
The choice before us is stark but simple. We can continue repeating the mistakes of our past, waiting for outsiders to shape our future, allowing ourselves to be divided, armed, and manipulated, or we can learn from history and take a different path. For me, the decision is clear: I choose dialogue over division, reform over rebellion, and hope over hatred. I call on every Afghan who truly cares about this country to do the same and take ownership of the future we all deserve.
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If there were ever a time to join us, it is now. Every contribution, however big or small, powers our journalism and sustains our future. Support the Dawat Media Center from as little as $/€10 – it only takes a minute. If you can, please consider supporting us with a regular amount each month. Thank you
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