A new history of Afghanistan

Writer:
Dr. Ghulam Ahmad Waak
University of Helsinki
Aleksanteri-instituutti
2005-07-26
 2/ 21

Contents

Introduction

1. Short look at the Geographical location and ancient history of Afghanistan

A. Geographical location
B. Ancient history of Afghanistan
2. Political movements
3. Afghanistan 1973- 1992
4. Taliban’s government
5. Afghanistan after 11th of September 2001
6. Democracy and it’s future in Afghanistan
7. Reactions against the new government of Afghanistan
8. Bibliography
9. The maps of Afghanistan in different historical periods
 3/ 21

Introduction
Afghanistan is a mountainous country, located ax the cross-roads of Asia.
Afghanistan has a long history, which includes several name and boundary changes.
Ariana, Khorasan and ultimately Afghanistan are the names which were each cradles
of civilization at a time and some times asylums for the local fighters. In the history of
Afghanistan we see the bright and civilized periods but several times of fighting,
ruining and desolation. Especially in the last three centuries was in fighting against
neighboring countries and in civil wars. The physical shape of Afghanistan is in a way
that through out the history different clans and tribes of the world based on warring
problems have sought asylum here and easily have been combined and mixed up
with native tribes in certain and safe hiding places. Based on this matter this country
is called the intersection of Asia, with multinational people having different languages
and also the centre for the coincidence of different cultures and religions. Therefore
the liberate nature of independent life has mostly the tribal characteristics and
mountainous living of the people has changed it to a spiritual power. This power of
the people of Afghanistan was used only in the fighting ways and not for economical
development and progress.
Studying about the above lines and subjects requires absolutely huge investigations
that what idea does it create for the next young generation of Afghanistan. As a
matter of fact, of course the next generation of Afghanistan has to define and
distinguish the positive aspects of their ancestor combats from the negative ones.
Actually all the purpose for independence, combat, sacrifices and warring covers the
meaning that people would be able to work liberty for development. Afghan people
also need a peaceful country and development. Now Afghanistan has the possibility
to re-make their country. In this way the civilized world will help with keeping their
interests in the region. Peace in Afghanistan and a civilized Afghanistan is very
necessary for the peace in South Asia, Central Asia, Middle East and for all the
world. Many countries of the world having managed to live together by reciprocal
help, have built countries to highest degrees of civilization and development and their
people live prosperous and civilized.
 4/ 21

Geographical location and ancient history of Afghanistan

A. Geographical location of Afghanistan:

Afghanistan is a mountainous country in Asia. Area of Afghanistan is 647500 sq km.
The famous mountains are Pamir, Hindukush, Kohe baba, Sulaiman and Spinghar.
Highest mountains are in the north-east and south-east, rugged mountains are in the
north and south-west. The famous rivers are Amudarya in the north, Helmand in the
south-west, Harirud in the west, Kabul river in the central area and Kunar in the east.
The climate of Afghanistan is arid and semiarid (cold winter and hot summer).
Natural resources are natural gas, petroleum, coal, copper, chromate, talk, barites,
sulfur, lead, zero, salt, precious and semiprecious stones.
New information says that in Afghanistan live about 29928987 people (July 2005). In
Afghanistan live about 40 ethnic groups, Pashtons 44%, Tajiks25%, Hazara 10%
Uzbek 8%, minor ethnic groups (Pashai, Baloch, Turk and others) 13%. 99% people
are Muslims (84% sunni Muslems and 15% shi’a Muslems) and 1% are Hindus and
Sik’hs. Therefore in Afghanistan are about 30 different languages, Pashto, Afghan
Persia (Dari), Turkic languages (Uzbek and Turkmen), minor languages (Pashai,
Balochi and others).
Administrative divisions are 34 provinces. The capital of Afghanistan is the Kabul city
and other famous cities are Kandahar, Herat, Mazar-e-sharif and Jalalabad.
Afghanistan is an extremely poor, landlocked country, highly dependent on foreign
aid, farming and livestock raising (sheep and goats), and trade with neighboring
countries. Economic considerations have played second fiddle political and military
upheavals during more than two decades of war, include the nearly 10-years Soviet
military occupation (with ended 15 February 1992). During that conflict, one-third of
the population fled the country, with Pakistan and Iran sheltering a combined peak of
4 to 6 million refugees. Gross domestic product has fallen substantially over the past
20 years. The majority of the population continues suffer from insufficient food,
clothing, housing and medical care.
Industries are small-scale production of textiles, soap, furniture, shoes, cement, hand
woven carpets, natural gas, coal and copper. Exports are fruits and nuts, hand
woven carpets, wool, cotton. Imports are capital goods, food, textiles and petroleum.

B. Ancient history of Afghanistan:

Afghanistan has a long history of about 6000 years. In the beginning its name was
Ariana (3300 B.C. until 9th century A.D.). The famous governments in this period are
Ariana Empire, Achaemenia Empire, Graeco-Bactria, Kushanids and Ephthalites.
After the expansion of the Islamic religion in 9th century its name became Khorasan.
The famous governments in this period are Ghaznavids Empire, Mangols Empire,
Safavids Empire, Shaibanids and Hotakioes.
In 1947, Ahmad Shah Dorani named the country Afghanistan. The name of
Afghanistan belongs to all those people, who are living in Afghanistan and the
nationality is Afghan. In this period were many difficulties, like civil wars, fighting
against Great Britain Empire and fighting with neighboring countries.
Most important source on the ancient history of Afghanistan in the period of Ariana
Empire is “Avesta”, a remarkable sample of ancient history of Afghanistan from which
we have learned the names of a number of historical-cultural areas in the territory of
Afghanistan dating to the 1st , Millennium B.C.
The Graeco-Macedonian army dealt a finishing blow at the decrepit Achaemenian
Empire 330- B.C., after begun Graeco-Bactria civilization. In the 1stcentury of A. D.
 5/ 21

Buddhism became widespread in the period of Kushans Empire. The Arab expedition
to Afghanistan began in the middle of the 7th century. In many regions the local rulers
and the population offered fierce resistance and the caliphs and their vicegerents
often had to dispatch troops once again to subdue the recalcitrant. At the turn of the
9th century there was a growth in the private land holdings and conventional holdings.
Islam expanded in south and central Asia through Afghanistan after the 9th century.
The name of Afghanistan was Khorasan in that time. Khorasan was one part of the
Baghdad Empire. Khorasan was the first Islamic country, which was independent
from Baghdad Empire by Taher Fushanji (821-873).
In this period we see the civilize governments in Afghanistan and we see the
development of the science and culture in Afghanistan and in the neighboring Islamic
countries. Bukhara and Samarqand were very famous Islamic religious and scientific
centers in Central Asia. In the18th century was emergence of the new small Islamic
governments in the region. In this period began the civilization of Europe. Industrial
revolution in Europe was a huge development for the west countries. After that Great
Britain Empire ruled on Afghanistan and on the other Islamic countries in Asia.
Afghanistan independence from Great Britain Empire was in 1919.

Political movements in Afghanistan

The emergence of the world socialist system and democracy had a great impact on
the political situation in Afghanistan. The first democratic organization after the
Second World War, in Afghanistan was “Wikh Zalmian” (Awakened Youth). It
included people from among the petty bourgeoisie, intellectuals and Muslim clergy.
Together with various bourgeois-democratic trends, oppositional activity began in
those strata of the ruling class which were compelled to reckon with the growing
demands of the middle and petty bourgeoisie emerging onto the political scene. They
organized the “National club”. The club was financed by the minister of economics,
Abdul Majid Zabuli, the richest merchant in Afghanistan.
The activities of the various oppositional groups reached its peak in 1952. The
authorities launched a large-scale offensive against the opposition movement. The
private newspapers (Angar, Watan and Neda-i-Khalq) were banned, the oppositional
groups dispersed, and their leaders imprisoned. This was the first action of the new
prime-minister Mohammad Daoud (1952-1963), who was the president of National
club.
In 1954, preparatory work began prior to drawing up economic development plans.
The economic policy announced by Daoud government suited the purposes of the
ruling circles, which was to develop capitalism in the country under the state’s
unconditional control.
In March 1963, Daoud government had to resign. The new cabinet was formed by
Mohammad- Yusuf, who had been the minister of mining and industry. In the political
area the government intended to introduce certain changes in state administration. It
announced in particular, that a new constitution would be drawn up to extend civil
rights, a new election law would be passed and political parties organized. Under the
program for socio-economic measures a new constitution was approved at “Loya
jirga” (Great assembly) in September, 1964.
After that some political parties were organized like PDPA (People Democratic Party
of Afghanistan), which was divided to Khalq and Parcham, later. Those parties had
supporting from USSR. The other party was “Afghan Mellat” (Afghan Nation), it is
Social Democrat party.
 6/ 21

The other parties were “Shula-e-Javid” (China’s trend communist party), and Islamic
parties. The other national and democrat parties were the small parties and not very
famous.
“Ikhwanolmuslimin” (Muslim brothers) and “Jawanan-e-musulman” (Young Muslims)
were two Islamic parties which were fighting just to oppose Communist parties. In the
period of Daoud’s Republic they were annihilated by the people helping in the all
country. In these situations many of the leaders of Islamic parties managed to
escape to Pakistan. After felling M. Doud’s republic in April 1978, especially after the
ingress of Soviet Union in Afghanistan all those Islamic groups were reorganized in
Pakistan.

Afghanistan in 1973 - 1992

The anti-monarchist coup and the proclamation of a Republic:
On the night of 16th July, 1973 a group of officers led by former prime- minister M.
Daoud, staged a virtually bloodless coup. The monarchy was overthrown and
Afghanistan was proclaimed a republic. The new regime was immediately supported
by the army and population of most of the big cities, which demonstrated once again
the total lack of popular support for the overthrown monarchy.
In the first days fallowing the coup, the central committee of the republic published
decrees abrogation the 1964 constitution and parliament. The publication of private
newspapers and magazines were suspended.
In July 1975 “Muslim Brothers” declared that their aims were to topple the republican
government and create an Islamic state. They were joined by “Shola-e-javid” and
“Setam-e-meli” parties. Army units were used to quell the rebellion.
At the end of 1976, in order to legally justify the ban on progressive groups, the ruling
quarters announced the formation of the “National Revolution Party”, which was
given a monopoly of political activity. It was the end of all other political parties and
groups. The “PDPA” had to go underground, and both its groups “Khalq” and
“Parcham” set about building up party unity. As at the first unity congress of the party,
Noor M. Taraki from Khalq group was elected general secretary and Babrak Karmal
from Parcham group was secretary of the central committee. The question of putting
an end to the M. Daoud regime was put on the agenda for the first time at the plenary
meeting.
At the end of 1977 the political situation in country grew explosive, after the regime
launched severe repression against the left. In December 1977 arrests were made
among PDPA members and supporters. On November 16, 1977 Ali Ahmad Khuram
minister of planning one of the most efficient cabinet ministers was assassinated in
the center of Kabul. On April 17, 1978 Mir Akber Khaiber a PDPA leader was
assassinated in Kabul city. This political assassination was a beginning for future
situations. The funeral, which took place on April 19, 1978 grew into a political
demonstration. The procession was led by PDPA leaders. The funeral procession
was joined by thousands of party members from all the country. They protested
against political terror. On April 25, 1978 the PDPA leaders were arrested. The PDPA
supporters began the coup by the one of small part of the army only in Kabul city on
April 27, 1978. The insurgents were soon joined by the rest of the Afghan army. As a
result of their action the M. Daoud regime was overthrown and power went to the
PDPA. They declared Democratic Republic of Afghanistan on April 27, 1978.
The leaders of the Islamic groups, living in Pakistan before, had joined with other
members of their parties and immediately reorganized in Pakistan. They had been in
the leadership of Afghan emigration, by helping the Pakistan government. They
began fighting against PDPA and against its supporter USSR. They gave to this war
 7/ 21

the name of “Jihad” and to fighters the name of “Mojahedin”. Mojahedin in Pakistan
and in Iran profited Afghan Muslim people’s ideas for “Jihad” opposing Soviet army
and PDPA members. They fought 14 years and they could to get in money and be
political actors within 14 years Jihad. After the kicking out Dr. Najibulla from power,
they catch the government on April 28, 1992.
The leadership of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan in 1978-1992:
1. Noor Mohammad Taraki, April 1978- September 1979. He died in arrest.
2. Hafizulla Amin, September 1979- December 1979. He was killed with some
friends, and some family members by the Soviet Union army in his home in the
first night of the Soviet ingress in Afghanistan.
3. Babrak Karmal, December 1979- April 1987. After that he lived in Moscow. He
died in 1996 in Moscow.
4. Dr. Najibulla, April 1987- April 1992. He was killed by Taliban in 1996.
On April 28, 1992 Mojahedin got the government and Dr. Najibulla went to and
lived in the office of United Nations in Kabul. After occupation of the Kabul city
by Taliban in September 1996, Dr. Najibulla was executed with his brother
Ahmadzai in Kabul.
Political opposition of the communist regime in Afghanistan under the name of
(Mojahedin) had 7 Sunni Muslim parties in Pakistan and 9 Shi’ites Muslim parties in
Iran. In Iran all those parties were united in one organization by the helping of Iran
government and they named it, party of the Islamic Unity “Wahdat-e-islami”. The
leader of this party was Abdul Ali Mazari, who was killed in fighting between their
party and Taliban. After that the leader of this party is Karim Khalili, who is the
second vice of president Karzai now.
In Pakistan 7 parties of Mojahedin were Sunni muslims parties:
1. Islamic party, the leader of this party is Gulbudin Hekmatyar.
2. Islamic collection, the leader of this party is Burhanuddin Rabani.
3. Islamic union, the leader of this party is Abdulrab Rasool Saeyaf.
4. Islamic party, the leader of this second Islamic party is Mohammad Yonus Khales.
5. Islamic revolution party, the leader of this party Mohammad Nabi Mohammadi has
died and his son Mohammadi is now the leader of this party.
6. National Islamic freedom, the leader of this party is Sebghatulla mojaddedi.
7. National and Islamic front, the leader of this party is Said Ahmad Gelani.
 8/ 21

Taliban’s Government
In Afghanistan Islamic foundations are mixed with traditions of the different
nationalities. In Afghanistan say: Pashtoons believe the half of “Qoran” (Religious
book) and the other half are their traditions, which are venerable like religion for
them.
Afghan people have very many traditions, which are mixed with Islam. People believe
their traditional Islam and not radical Islam. Taliban are radical Muslims. They say
that their Ideology is Islam and their law is Qoran, they are not political party and they
don’t have any political program.
The meaning of the Taliban word is “student”. Many of them have studied in the
religious schools in Pakistan. The leader of this party is Mohammad Omar. Taliban
has very near connections with Islamic parties in Pakistan.
Taliban in their first phase in 1994 had been united with people for reorganization
new national central government in Afghanistan. They did not declare the Islamic
“Shariat” (Religious law) and ruled by the constitution of kingdom period. They did not
close the schools. For this reason many of intellectuals, officials and military workers
of the last government united with them. In this time Taliban were three groups:
1. Islamic religious students in Pakistan
2. Supporters for king M. Zaher Shah
3. Official and military workers of the last government.
In this period Taliban respect national traditions 1994. By people helping they were
fighting with fundamental Islamic groups successfully. Taliban conquered 95% of the
Afghanistan and its capital in very short time. Taliban rush to Kabul city in September
1996 and after that the Taliban political program was changed to very radical and
extremist Islamic ruling.
Taliban after occupation of the Kabul city changed their policy. Dr.Najibulla was
executed by Taliban without trial, who was hopping to get liberty from jail and
amnesty. This action of Taliban was the beginning of a version in generally.
Taliban proclaimed strict rules. All women schools were closed. Women could not
work in the government offices. These actions of Taliban ruined the hope for
reorganization the new central and stable government. They continued the kick out of
low officials and intellectuals from government, who were working in the last
governments. The final kick out was in October 1998, there were also in arrest some
teachers from the University of Jalalabad city. The people were disappointed and
they were hopping an international help for a peace and stable government.

Afghanistan after 11th of September 2001

Following the Taliban’s refusal to hand over Usama bin Ladin to the justice for his
suspected involvement in the 11th September 2001 terrorist attacks in the US, a US-
led international coalition was formed; after several weeks of aero bombardment by
coalition forces and military actions on the ground, including Afghan opposition
forces, Taliban were ousted from power on 17 November, 2001.
After that a number of Afghan prominent met under UN authority in Bonn, Germany,
to decide on a plan for governing the country. As a result Afghan Interim Authority
made up of 30 members, headed by a chairman was inaugurated on 22 December,
2001 with a six-month mandate to be follow by a two-year Transitional Authority.
In Bonn, there was elected Hamid Karzai for the chairman’s post. He was not the
member of the opposition forces in the North of Afghanistan, which was supported by
Iran and Russia against Taliban. But almost all members of Afghan Interim Authority
for six-month mandate were from the opposition forces in the North of Afghanistan. In
 9/ 21

this six-month the power was in the hand of General Mohammad Qasim Fahim, who
was the vice of Ahmad Shah Masood, the leader of the North forces. Ahmad Shah
Masood was killed some little time before 11th of September terrorist attack in the US.
After six-month there were elections for “Loya Jirga” (Great Assembly) to be hold the
structure of the follow-on. On 10 June, 2002 Loya Jirga was elected and this Loya
Jirga convened establishing the Transitional Islamic State of Afghanistan, which had
18 months to hold a Loya Jirga to adopt a constitution and 24 months to hold
nationwide elections.
On 12 June, 2002 Loya Jirga elected Hamid Karzai, in the leadership of Transitional
Islamic State of Afghanistan. Hamid Karzai organized his cabinet. In this cabinet also
the power was with the same ministers and with the same formers oppositional
groups. This period was hard for Hamid Karzai because some ministers
independently were doing their works for their own political group’s interests, not for
all the country and not for the peace and economical development. In the head of
these ministers was M.Q. Fahim, who was Minister of Defence. In the government
there was not united ruling, M.Q. Fahim thought that he has his own group and army
and he can to do every thing, which he wants. In this case the government of Karzai
was in very serious period. In every case the Transitional Islamic State of
Afghanistan by the help of international forces and by cooperation of people could to
invite the Loya Jirga on 14 December, 2003.
4 January, 2004. This Loya Jirga adopted the new constitution and after 6 months
the presidential election. According to the administrative difficulties and also security
problems, presidential elections established in October 2004. On 9 October, 2004
Hamid Karzai became the first democratically elected president of Afghanistan,
official ceremony was on 7 December, 2004. The new Afghan government’s next
task is to hold National Assembly elections, tentatively scheduled for April 2005. But
also by the administrative difficulty it will establish in September, 2005.
Islamic Republic of Afghanistan is the name of new government. President is the
chief of State and also the head of government. Former King ZAHER Shah holds the
honorific, “Father of the Country” and presides symbolically over certain occasions,
but lacks any governing authority; the honorific is not hereditary.
According to the new constitution, no law should be “contrary to Islam” the State is
obliged to create a prosperous and progressive society based on social justice,
protection of human dignity, protection of human rights, realization of democracy, and
to ensure national unity and equality among all ethnic groups and tribes; the State
shall abide by the UN charter, international treaties, international conventions that
Afghanistan signed, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The new constitution establishes a nine-member “Stera Mahkama” (Supreme Court),
it is nine justice are appointed for 10-year terms by the president with approval of the
“Wolesi Jirga” (National Assembly) and subordinate High Courts and Appeals Courts;
There is a minister of justice; a separate Afghan Independent Human Rights
commission established by the Bonn Agreement is charged with investigating human
rights abuses and war crimes.
Under the new constitution, the bicameral National assembly will consist of the
Wolesi Jirga or House of People(no more than 249 seats), directly elected for a five-
year term, and the Meshrano Jirga or House of Elders, 102 seats, one third elected
from provincial councils for a four-year term, one third elected from local district
councils for a three-year term, and one third presidential appointees for five-year
term; the presidential appointees will include two representatives of “Kuchis” (The
people who do not have permanent place for living and they live over the country in
several places during the year, according to climate), and two representatives of the
disabled; half of the presidential appointees will be women.
 10/ 21

On rare occasions the government may convene the Loya Jirga (Great assembly) on
issues of independence, national sovereignty, and territorial integrity; it can amend
the provisions of the constitution and prosecute the president; it is made up of
members of the National Assembly and chairpersons of the provincial and district
councils.
Under the new constitution there are about 70 political parties, the very famous of
them are:
1. Afghan Millat
2. De Solay Ghorzang Gond
3. De Afghanistan de Solay Mili Islami Gond
4. Harakat-e- Islami Afghanistan
5. Aarman-e- Mardunm-e- Afghanistan
6. Aazadi Afhghanistan
7. Adalat-e- Islami Afghanistan
8. Afghanistan-e- Wahid
9. Afgan Watan Islami Gond
10. Congra-e- Mili Afghanistan
11. Harakat-e- Islami mardum-e- Afghanistan
12. Hambastagi MiIli Jawanan-e- Afghanistan
13. Hambastagi Afghanistan
14. Harakat-e- mili Wahdat-e- Afghanistan
15. Harakat-e- Islami Mardum-e- Afghanistan
16. Hefazat-e- Hoquq wa Inkeshaf-e- Afghanistan
17. Isteqlal-e- Afghanistan
18. Jamhoree Khwahan-e- Afghanistan
19. Kar wa Tawsia-e- Afghanistan
20. Hezb-e- Mili Afghanistan
21. Hezb-e- Mili Wahdat-e- Aqwam-e- Islami Afganistan
22. Nahzat-e- Mili Afghanistan
23. Paiwand-e- Mili Afghanistan
24. Rastakhiz-e- Islami Mardum-e- Afghanistan
25. Refah-e- Mardum-e- Afghanistan
26. Resalat-e- Mardum-e- Afghanistan
27. Sahadat-e- Mardum-e- Afghanistan
28. Sahadat-e- Mili wa Islami Afghanistan
29. Sulh-e- Mili wa Islami Aqwam-e- Afghanistan
30. Sulh wa Wahdat-e- Mili Afghanistan
31. Tafahum wa Democracy Afghanistan
32. Wahdat-e- Islami Afghanistan
33. Wahdat-e- Islami Mardum-e- Afghanistan
34. Wahdat-e- Mili Afghanistan
35. Jamahat-ul- Dahwat ilal Qurhan wa Sunat-ul- Afghanistan
36. Jombesh-e- Mili
37. Mahaz-e- Mili Islami Afghanistan
38. Majmah-e-Mili Fahalin-e- Sulh-e- Afghanistan
39. Nahzat-e- Azadi wa Democracy Afghanistan
40. Nahzat-e- Hambastagi Mili Afghanistan
41. Sazman-e- Islami Afghanistan-e- Jawan
42. Tahrik-e- Wahdat-e- Mili
 11/ 21

Reconstruction:
The Afghanistan economic outlook has improved significantly since the fall of the
Taliban regime in 2001 because of the infusion of over $2 billion in international
assistance, recovery of the agricultural sector, and the reestablishment of market
institution. Agriculture boomed in 2003 with the end of a four-year drought, but
drought conditions returned for the southern half of the country in 2004. Despite the
progress of the past few years, Afghanistan remains extremely poor, landlocked, and
highly dependent on foreign aid, farming, and trade with neighbouring countries. It
will probably take the remainder of the decade and continuing donor aid and attention
to raise Afghanistan’s living standards up from its current status among the lowest in
the world. Much of the population continues to suffer from shortage of housing clean
water, electricity, medical care, and jobs, but the Afghanistan government and
international donors remain committed to improving access to these basic
necessities by prioritizing infrastructure development, education, housing
development, jobs programs, and economic reform over the next year.
Growing political stability and continued international commitment to Afghan
reconstruction create an optimistic outlook for maintaining improvements in the
Afghan economy in 2005. Expanding poppy cultivation and a growing opium trade
may account for one-third of GDP and looms as one of Kabul’s most serious policy
challenges.
The new government of Afghanistan continues the reconstruction program and
bringing the peas to Afghanistan. In this way Afghan government has a lot of
problems and difficulties:
1. Some neighbour countries do not have the real cooperation with Afghanistan
2. Being the active terrorist centres near to borders of Afghanistan
3. Some neighbour countries cooperate with the opposition of Afghanistan and with
Taliban
4. The security problems of the US and the war in Iraq
5. Political and defence powers of Afghanistan have differences in their groups,
according to this problem, all of the government members have not the united
policy for economical reforms and development.
6. The ruined economy and abnormal system of the taxes.
7. According to the security problems, reconstruction continues very slow
8. There are not the regular plans for returnees from Pakistan and Iran
9. The full water rivers flow to neighbour countries from Afghan deserts without any
using
10. Economical reforms are in the second step of fighting against terrorism
11. According to the political differences, qualified Afghans are not in use
More than 90% of the people of Afghanistan hope to international cooperation for the
reconstruction of Afghanistan. The civilized countries must help in the realization of
the reconstruction of Afghanistan because without international helps Afghanistan is
very weak between Iran and Pakistan.
 12/ 21

Democracy and its future in Afghanistan

Afghanistan is an undeveloped Country. According to the Tribes traditions and non-
friendship between Afghan government and the governments of neighbouring
countries in the past Afghanistan has become undeveloped country. Majority of the
different clans live in the neighbour countries and their minority live in Afghanistan.
According to this reason always in the history these minorities were in use by their
majorities, and some times against their governments. Emergence of the extremism
enlarged this process.
Mountainous location of Afghanistan is the other reason of poverty and illiteracy. Now
the civilized countries of the west world want to help to Afghanistan for economical
development and democracy, some of the neighbouring countries do not want to help
and cooperate to Afghanistan. From the borders of some neighbouring countries,
terrorists attacks against the new democrat and elected government of Afghanistan.
The people of Afghanistan and all intellectual of Afghanistan want democracy and
development, they need in this way complete cooperation and help of the civilized
countries, otherwise Afghanistan can not to go farther alone.
This is real that on the way of democracy in Afghanistan there are a lot of problem,
like religious and traditional reactions. But all those differences and difficulties are
known and need the real and positive reactions and actions for the stability of
democracy in Afghanistan.
Democracy has never been a guaranteed cure for political failings or the answer to
every social need. But when managed properly, it represents the best option for fair
governance. Democracy offers transparency and measurable progress. It reserves
the right to check that progress, and if need be, remove a government. That is
political life in Afghanistan to day. Democracy is also about economics, the ability of
the average person to make a decent living.
A strong economy requires investment and convincing prospective partners that
investment is worthwhile is another task for Afghanistan’s electoral process.
Afghanistan has no history of democracy certainly makes this a tall order but not
necessarily impossible.
The election of Hamid Karzai in October of last year was a big first step in this
process for Afghanistan, but a large one looms on September 18, elections for
national assembly. Afghanistan now has a democratically elected President. The
country will now seek elected representatives who will shape the course of Afghan
recovery. To achieve this, Afghanistan has chosen for itself an interesting system of
democracy, a semi-proportional system called the single Non-Transferable Vote. It
has its advantages and disadvantages but is the one chosen by Afghans for Afghans
when their constitution was determined in January 2004. It has the advantage of
being able to best facilitate minority party representation. While it is a system that has
not always been able to guarantee truly proportional results, it is a system that Japan
has shown can work since adopting it after the Second World War.
 13/ 21

Reactions against the new government of Afghanistan

After starting the internal war in Afghanistan against Soviet Union by the name of
Jihad, Islamists got increased. Before that their activities were limited, and there were
some groups in Arabian countries. Jihad in Afghanistan, and unlimited helps of
America, some European countries, and some Arabian countries to them, made it
impossible to be controlled their activities. Even though Kashmir war was between
Indian and Pakistanis forces, but now it is governing by Islamic groups and had taken
Islamic shape. Now the problem is not that of making Kashmir’s Union, but the
problem is that of making the Islamic areas free from Indian area. The last military
coup in Pakistan guided by General Parwez Musharaf is the result of the activities of
the regional problems and Islamic movements. Now Parwez Musharaf, rules in very
hard period. Some Islamic parties and maybe Pakistani government help very
cereous to the rest of Taliban against the democracy and reconstruction in
Afghanistan.
Iran has gotten well with Saudi Arabia, and that is point for Pakistani government to
get well with Iran. There are lots of possibilities for friendship with Iran. Iran also has
its special interests in Afghanistan. Otherwise Russian government is in very near
friendship and cooperation with Iran. Russia helps to Tajikistan and political supports
the Tajikistan government and army, and also their interests in Afghanistan. In this
case, it is very difficult for Afghan new government to realize the democracy in
Afghanistan without of supports of the west civilized and democrat countries.
15 years ago the base Islamic movement was laid in Tajikistan by the party of
“Nohzat-e- Islami (Islamic Motion). They have connections with some of the Afghan
Islamic parties and maybe with Uzbek Islamic groups. In central Asia there we see
the cereous activities of the Islamists in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. In the Russian
Federation except Chechnya and Dagestan, in the other Muslim areas there are
Islamic groups and have direct relationships with Chechen fighters.
All these Islamic groups have very deep religious relationship. The rest of Taliban
forces and Al-Qaida also has contacts with all Islamic parties, groups and
organizations. It is true that Taliban are fighting against Afghanistan’s new
government and against democracy. Therefore, maybe the other Islamic forces
around Afghanistan will help and cooperate to Taliban, against realization of the
democracy in Afghanistan.
Afghanistan’s new government and the beginning of the democracy must be support
regularity by the West civilized countries because the problem of Afghanistan is not a
home problem, but it is regional problem, and its roots are now long enough that
need civilize support.
Pakistan’s conflict with India is big religious and political problem for Afghanistan’s
people because Islamic relationships maybe influence and will be use by Taliban
against the new government of Afghanistan also. Solving the problem for Kashmir by
cooperation of Islamic conference, West civilized countries, China and Russia is
possible. According to my view the solution for the problem of Kashmir is that if both
Kashmir become one, they will get an independent country or a part of Pakistan and
or a part of India as it was before. Historical and Geographical point of view say that
both Kashmir are Indian areas. India has to think about, and as the matters had not
remained the same, India must also show calmness and solve the problem in a
democratic way.
Russia will be in cooperation with west countries in Afghanistan for realization of
democracy because it is not only necessary for Afghanistan, but for Russia also.
Against Russia fights stable Islamic opposition, who have relationship with Taliban.
 14/ 21

Russia will support the democracy in Afghanistan. Otherwise Russia will fall in the
same tragedy.
Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Iran, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Tatarstan are the
countries that can help bringing peace in the area. All these mentioned countries
should prevent the world and human beings from huge misfortune and destruction
with cooperation of the UN, European countries, Russia, America and Islamic
conference. They must give hands to each other to stop hunger, starvation, diseases,
food shortage and bring a good and calm society and problem can be solved.
Otherwise today’s incidents would show the strong. Opposition of the civilization and
democracy in the world has been created, which can create many problems for
peace world.
 15/ 21

Bibliography
1. Abdul Ghani. A review of political situation in central Asia. London, 1924
2. Adamec L. Afghanistan foreign affairs to the mid 20th century. Tucson, 1974
3. Ali Mohammad. Afghanistan. An historical sketch. Part 2. No-1, Kabul, 1957
4. Babaev A. and others. Bastanshinasi-e-Afghanistan. “Archaeology of
Afghanistan”. Kabul, 1984 “In Dari language”
5. Bosworth C.E. Iran and Islam. Edinburg, 1971
6. Davidov A.D. Afghanistan. Moscow, 1993 “In Russian language”
7. Diago Kordoviz and Slig Hris. Soviet Union increase to Afghanistan. Translate
by A. Jabbar Sabet. Peshawar, 1996
8. Dupree Louis. Afghanistan. New York, 1970
9. Dupree Louis. Afghanistan in the 1970s. New York, 1974
10. Dupree Louis. A note on Afghanistan. AUFS reports. S. Asia series. No- 15 and
2, 1971
11. Dupree Louis. Islam in politics. “Muslim world” No-16, 1966
12. Dupree Louis. The democratic republic of Afghanistan. AUFS reports. Asia. No-
32, 1979
13. Fazal R. Jami-ol- tawarikh. “Complex of history” Tome 1-2. Teheran, 1959”In
Persian language”, 1338
14. Fraser. Afghanistan. Oxford, 1950
15. Gankovski Yu.V. and others. A history of Afghanistan. Moscow, 1985
16. Ghafoorov B.G. and others. History of tajiks. Tom 1. Moscow, 1963 “In Russian
language”
17. Ghobar G.M. Afghanistan dar masir-e- tarikh. ”Afghanistan in the duration of
history” Kabul, 1967 “In Dari language”
18. Gregorian Varton. The emergence of modern Afghanistan (1880-1946).
Stanford, 1969
19. Griffiths John. Afghanistan. London, 1967
20. Habibi A. Da Afghanistan pikhlik. “A chronology of Afghanistan. Kabul”, 1947 “In
Pashto language”
21. Habibi A. Jonbesh-e-mashrotiat dar Afghanistan. “Constitutional movement in
Afghanistan”. Kabul, 1984 “in Darei language”
22. Haroon Khpal. Aafarida hai mahjoor Alama Abdulhai Habibi. ”The biography and
publication of Abdulhai Habibi”. Kabul, 1988 “In Dari language”
23. Hashimbikov H. Uzbeks of the north Afghanistan. Moscow, 1998 “In Russian
language”
24. Iqbal Ali Shah. The tragedy of Afghanistan. London, 1933
25. Ivanov N.A. Islam. Moscow, 1986
26. Journal of Afghanistan’s studies. Ariana. 2001-2002. Stockholm, Sweden
27. Journal of Cultural, Social and Political studies of Afghanistan. Sabawoon.
Peshawar, 2000
28. Kohzad A.A. In the highlights of modern Afghanistan. “Afghanistan” No-2. Kabul,
1957
29. Kushans and the silks road. An international seminar on Afghanistan. Kabul,
1990
30. Lyakhovski A. Tragedy of Afghanistan. Moscow, 1995 “In Russian language”
31. Mohammad A. Progressive Afghanistan. Lahore, 1933
32. Newell R. The politics of Afghanistan. Ithaca, 1972
33. Nikki R. K. Said Jamalo-od-din Afghani. University of California, 1972
34. Olmstead. History of the Persian impire. Chicago, 1948
 16/ 21

35. Paakkulainen Erkki and Leena Saraste. On the road-sides of Afghanistan.

Vantaa, 1987 ”In Finnish language”
36. Paakkulainen Erkki. Afghanistan (Difficult problems). Painoseppa oy, 1992 ”In
Finnish language”
37. Petroshivski I.P. Islam in Iran in 7-15th centuries. University of Leningrad, 1966
38. Poullada L. Reforms and rebellion in Afghanistan (1919-1929). New York, 1973
39. Russian and Afghan writers. The question of the war and peace in Afghanistan.
Peshawar, 1999 “In Persian language, translate by Aziz Arianfar from Russian
language”
40. Samuel P.H. The clash of civilizations and the remaking of world order.
London,1998
41. Sykes P. A history of Afghanistan. London, 1940
42. Timerkhanov L. Hazara. “One of the nationalities in Afghanistan”. Moscow, 1972
“In Russian language”
43. Waak G.A. Constitutional movement in the period of Emir Habibullh. M.A.,
Discertation. Kabul, 1985 “In Dari language”
44. Waak G.A. Constitutional movement in Afghanistan. Ph.D, Discertation.
Moscow, 1994 “In Russian language”
45. Wriz Sh.Z. Some pages of the history of Afghanistan. Peshawar,1999 “In Dari
language”
46. CIA-The world fact book-Afghanistan. “Internet”
47. Radio BBC. Pashto, Dari and Persian programs
48. Radio voice of America. Pashto and Dari programs
49. Radio Liberty. Pashto and Dari programs
50. Radio DW. Pashto and Dari programs
17/ 21
18/ 21
19/ 21
20/ 21
21/ 21