Ashraf Ghani Breaks Silence, Urges National Dialogue to Break Afghanistan’s Political Deadlock

KABUL— In a significant political statement, former Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has broken a long period of public silence to call for a comprehensive national dialogue, framing it as the only path to confront what he termed the country’s “deep crisis.” Ghani, who fled Afghanistan as the Taliban seized power in August 2021, asserted that national unity is contingent upon a collective commitment to protecting shared national interests and values.

A Call for Consensus Amid Crisis

The message, disseminated in a detailed note on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), comes at a time of heightened pressure on Afghanistan. Ghani described the nation as passing through a “highly sensitive” historical juncture, marked by both “great dangers” and potential opportunities. He argued that Afghans across the spectrum are demanding an “immediate and fundamental dialogue” to clearly define the boundaries of national interest and build a consensus on the country’s future.

“Our survival lies in acceptance of one another, in securing lasting peace, and balancing transformation with continuity,” Ghani wrote, positioning sustainable peace as the non-negotiable foundation for national sovereignty and legitimate governance. He contended that peace and legitimacy are prerequisites for the stability, security, and economic growth that have eluded Afghans for “nearly five decades.”

Defining a New National Discourse

A central pillar of Ghani’s appeal was the urgent need to redefine Afghanistan’s national discourse, particularly its relationship with the international community. He painted a picture of a “chaotic” current reality, citing the forced deportations of hundreds of thousands of Afghan migrants from Pakistan and Iran, devastating natural disasters, and cross-border military strikes from Pakistan as symptoms of a broader systemic failure.

Ghani insisted that for Afghanistan to choose a viable path forward, political space must be opened to allow for broad and inclusive participation. He reiterated a previous proposal for a Loya Jirga, or national people’s assembly, to serve as a platform for discussing political change. Striking a conciliatory tone, he stated he sought “nothing for myself,” but added that if called upon by the public, he was prepared to “contribute to resolving the crisis and offering constructive pathways forward.”

A Rejected Proposal and a Hardline Stance

Ghani’s call aligns with repeated appeals from other Afghan and international figures, including former President Hamid Karzai and major world powers, who have consistently urged the Taliban to engage in an inclusive political process. However, these calls have been uniformly dismissed by the de facto authorities.

The Taliban administration has consistently rejected the need for such a dialogue, maintaining that the country has emerged from its crisis under their rule. They argue that the war is over, and that Afghans should unite under their leadership, which they claim provides ultimate Islamic legitimacy.

The Grim Backdrop of the Appeal

The former president’s statement is set against a backdrop of escalating humanitarian and political challenges that underscore the persistent crisis:

• Humanitarian Catastrophe: The mass expulsion of Afghan refugees from neighboring countries has overwhelmed an already crippled economy and aid infrastructure, creating a new wave of internal displacement and desperation.
• Regional Tensions: Repeated border closures and skirmishes with Pakistan highlight the ongoing regional instability and the Taliban’s strained relations with its neighbors.
• Systemic Repression: Internally, the Taliban have continued their hardline policies, most notably the systematic erosion of women’s rights, including the ban on girls’ education beyond the sixth grade and the exclusion of women from most public life and employment.

Analysis: A Calculated Return

Ghani’s re-entry into the public discourse appears calculated. By focusing on national dialogue rather than his own controversial departure, he seeks to reposition himself as a statesman concerned with the nation’s fate. His emphasis on “national interests” over partisan politics is an attempt to build a broader coalition and present an alternative to the Taliban’s isolationist and non-inclusive model of governance.

Whether this appeal gains traction remains highly uncertain. With the Taliban firmly entrenched in power and showing no willingness to compromise on their political monopoly, Ghani’s call for dialogue currently faces a closed door. Yet, it signals that the political opposition to the Taliban, both inside and outside the country, is beginning to articulate a more cohesive vision for an alternative future, even if the path to achieving it remains deeply unclear.

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