Kabul From May 21-28
Summary:This article outlines the recent turmoil on the political scene in Afghanistan
In recent months relations between
Afghanistan and Pakistan have taken a turn for the worse. Most
recently, the Afghan tribes in the border region have mobilized in
support of the Afghan government. This is an important development
for the Afghan government, adding to its credibility internally and
further strengthening it against Pakistan . In recent history,
particularly since 1979, these tribes were largely lethargic or
acted in concord with the Pakistani government on various issues.
If the afghan government continues to enjoy the support of these
tribes, it can very well counter the inflow of militants from
Pakistan and weaken Pakistan ’s influence in the area. On the
political front, the central government needs the support of border
region tribes. These tribes have historically been vital to the
success or failures of Afghan governments.
On the domestic political front, Malalia Joya a prominent and often controversial MP from Farah has been temporarily suspended by the Parliament for branding the Parliament an animal barn and comparing the MPs within it with animals. While such criticism is stretching the limits of constructive criticism too far, the issue here is not her name calling but her suspension. Could her suspension signal the strength of democratic governance in Afghanistan , as the MPs acted according to the norms established in the parliament; or does it show that the male dominated parliament has finally lashed out against an outspoken female member? While this issue is being hotly debated on TV shows in Afghanistan , one thing is certain in this comic episode and that is that Malalia Joya has certainly shock the nation.
This week there has been much unrest in the north of the country, however this unrest is not due to the Taliban insurgency. This unrest is another episode in the power struggle between prominent warlords and the Central government. In the province of Jawzjan, supporters of Rashid Dostam, one of the most prominent faces in the history of Afghanistan since 1979. He initially acted in support of the Communist government and their soviet overlords then took an active part in the civil war after the defeat of the communist government in 1992. He is currently an advisor on military affairs to the president; however he is virtually the defecto king of the northern provinces of Jawzjan, Saripul, Samangan, Baghlan and some areas of Balkh .
The most recent reports indicate that supporters of Rashid Dostam have clashed with the governor of Jawzjan Joma Khan Hamdard who used to be a member of the Hizb-e-Islami. The Afghan government claims that this was an attempt by the Dostam supporters to overthrow the government appointed Governor, however the Dostam faction called Jumbesh-e-meli refute these claims and state that it was merely an uprising by ordinary citizens against an unpopular governor. All reports aside, this event holds major political significance. The Jawzjan uprising can be seen in light of the continuing power struggle between the central government and powerful warlords. The Dostam supporters have been unable to overthrow the governor, and Dostam himself has been venomously criticized for the uprising. Could this event start a chain of events that could lead to the weakening of Dostam?
1 Comment
Mirwais Nahzat
Roohullah: Keep these ideas and perspectives flowing. I'd also be interested to hear about some 'personal stories' - ordinary people, friends, colleagues and how their lives have changed or are changing in what ways. All the best !