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Trust, hope continue to deteriorate Faheem Dashty The public's hope for peace end
security has decreased dramatically and reached disappointing levels. Any
hope for a peaceful and secure future was further dampened on April 28 - when
government officials and members of the national army fled for their lives
after the Taliban opened fire on the stadium celebrations. In addition,
public trust in the ability of international forces - particularly American
forces - to fight the Taliban and Al Qaeda has also diminished. Six years ago when international
forces entered Afghanistan the majority of Afghans welcomed them expressing a
positive reaction to the entry of foreign forces for the first time in Afghan
history. It is a commonly held belief among
ordinary Afghans that U.S. forces do not want peace and security in
Afghanistan - and that in fact, American forces are supplying and supporting
Taliban insurgents. People, including village residents and translators for
the foreign forces - claim that U.S. soldiers are providing the Taliban with
weapons. Furthermore, people are wondering aloud, why was the U.S. able to
overthrow the Taliban regime in 40 days back in 2001 and yet today it can
barely fight a few pockets of the insurgency. Why hasn't the U.S. taken serious
action against the Taliban and Al-Qaeda who cross over from Pakistan to kill
and maim U.S. and Nato soldiers? Apart from a lack of faith in the
U.S. war on terror, Afghans are doubtful that this government will become
strong enough to end the war and establish peace and security. Even the
Taliban's most ardent opponents and the most optimistic of Afghans are
extremely disappointed. Most people worry about the future. The migration of
Afghan youth to Western countries, which slowed after the collapse of the
Taliban regime, is once again on the rise. On a daily basis, dozens of young
Afghans are crossing illegally into European countries. Public anxiety is not
just based on reports of corruption, but they see, hear and feel the show of
power and wealth of top officials. People realize that what the media is
saying is accurate, and they do not need detailed facts because the situation
is obvious. At the same time news of
negotiation with Gulbuddin Hekmatyar and the Taliban is commonly spoken
about. It seems that the administration wants to see Hekmatyar sitting next
to Rabbani, Sayaf, Mohaqiq, Gailani and Mujadidi. It seems possible too that
even if the Taliban's so-called leader Mullah Omar decided to come to Kabul,
he would be welcomed and the administration would find a position for him.
People are disappointed with the government for forgiving the people who
caused Afghanistan’s destruction and murdered innocent civilians. So, people
realize that the government cannot give them peace and security. There is no doubt that the
situation will not change until the next election. No change will be made
until Afghans have a new president and a new cabinet. The current Afghan
government under Karzai's leadership has employed all its capacity and
resources in the last four years. The current situation is the product of the
last four years. It is crystal clear that the current government is not
capable of doing more. So we have to accept that this government and this
cabinet will remain until the next elections, unless something out of the
ordinary occurs. The Americans will continue
fighting the war on terror against Al-Qaeda and the Taliban
networks.Whichever party takes power in the next American election, U.S.
national interest will remain its priority and American troops will continue
their fight in Afghanistan. The war between America and its
enemies will continue for a long time and in the meantime, the U.S. will
support the Afghan government, and Al Qaeda and Pakistani extremist groups
will support the Taliban.
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