February 09, 2020

Afghans need to bravely fight the dependency syndrome

topic:	Peace and Reconciliation
located:	Afghanistan
editor:	Shadi Khan Saif

Instead of bickering over front-row seats in the proposed interim government or a prominent share in the projected conference for peace at a cosy international venue, the Afghan political elite and civil society seriously need to come up with a more solemn approach towards issues-based conflict resolution and sincere nation-building mechanism.

First of all, all Afghans across the board need to realize and get their priorities streamlined to the responsible realization of the reality that they need to get out of the dependency syndrome for good. Be it to end the war, build institutional infrastructure and human capital, the mentality and approach should be steadfast and resilient with all contributing and collaboration towards a better future for their children.

The generous and sometimes dubious foreign funding for rebuilding the war-ravaged country has had its own curses as well as advantages attached.

But, what really can take Afghanistan out of this vicious quagmire of 40-year-old bloodshed is going to be the selfless devotion of the Afghans themselves towards their country and their country mates.

The likes of fellows in the countryside donating their personal properties for the development of girls’ schools. The well-off young men and women in the urban centres volunteering to keep their neighbourhood clean, green, and help those in need in winter, summer as well as being just, truthful and emphatic towards their brethren in the marginalized parts of the country.

With full respect to the argument that the country is in a dire state partly, and some would argue fully, due to external and international factors, it is understandable that international support is mandatory. Still, it is the dependency syndrome, which is also exploited by greedy internal elements to keep the country pushed back to the square one again and again.

The government’s role as a clean facilitator is pivotal in giving people the confidence in this whole exercise towards self-reliance with the available means with determination to enhance them step-by-step.

After all, Rome was not built in a day, and in modern history, Germany and Japan are shining examples of nations rising and shining from the ashes of war.

Image: Amber Clay / Pixabay 

Call to Action

Support the human rights of Afghans!

Support now