Wednesday, January 13, 2010
War Between the Ethnic Factions in Afghanistan Similar to Past War in Eastern Europe
Lets face it, one of Afghanistan's biggest problem in its history is that it had no established government. When a government was in place, it favored the majority ethnic race of the Pashtuns. People of other descents, the Hazra's for example, had very little control over the management or establishment of laws for the country. Similarly, in former Yugoslavia the Serbians were the ethnic majority in the government and the Croats, Bosnians, and Slovenians were discriminated against. Even in districts where the populaion was mainly Croats, several Serbians in that area felt inferior to the Croats which caused tension between the two groups. It wasn't until the countries fought for and won their independence from Yugoslavia that they gained the freedom and respect that they deserved. In my opinion, the only way Afghanis will be at peace in their country is 1: they form their own governments within their own districts, or 2: they form a centralized governement that represents all the ethnic backgrounds and their needs. A centralized government is the only way to get rid of the Taliban and members of Al qaeda.
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Just a question about the various ethnic groups you mention living in Afganistan: Is religion the largest difference between these groups? What are other differences or similarities that would either bring them closer together or perhaps push them further apart?
ReplyDeleteDo you think that they (the peoples currently residing there) could find a common ground to live peacefully? It is such a fragile state (which is obvious by the past and present), but I'm wondering how a governement could bring peace when their reality is war; for some it's all they know. And how could an institution be implimented in a way that they don't feel threatened?
So much to think about...
As far as the Croats and Serbs go, since they were more of a westernized society, there may have been restabalization from the middle up after becoming independant, as opposed to from the ground up in Afganistan-almost starting from scratch.
Terra, thanks for posting. About 99% of the people who live in Afghanistan are Muslims. Within the Muslism religion there are the Sunnis and Shi'as and the difference between them is who they believe should be the next "caliph" or leader. But supposing that Hamid Karzai (President of Afghanistan) provides for the country's economic needs and the people see that their lives are getting better without all the fighting amongst the warlords, then the country would be on a new path to peace and stability. Something they haven't had in hundreds of years. But as long as Americans and other Nato forces are their there's gonna be tension. Some of the people will definitely see us as occupants of their country and will and do want us out. But, unfortunately the most wanted man in America is hiding out in the mountains of their country.
ReplyDeleteI am currently serving a tour in Afghanistan and we are working with many of the Local Nationals, I understand the points you have made Carla about them wanting us out of their country and for good reason. They want to be able to see if the type of government they have chosen to take a stand on, will infact work without us here. But since I am around Local Nationals every day, I hear a different story, a story of desperation for the UN to remain in the country and protect its people. For a soldier who serves for a purpose rather than the money, it makes their heart bleed for these people knowing they are scared if we just walk away. I find myself questioning my decision to join the Army because some want us here and the others want us gone, mainly the government. But with the hard work, care, and desperation of the locals I feel an overpowering duty to help them and listen to what they have to say and hear their concerns. They feel safe right now with us here, granted it is difficult for soldiers to be away from their families but it is the respect that is given when we return knowing we tried to help and we stand fast over here and continue to protect. That is what I feel on the subject of their government and what I hear on a daily basis. Kristin
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