This week I was a panelist at the first World Conference of the Grand National Movement of Afghanistan, an organization dedicated to promoting peace and prosperity in the country. I was asked, essentially: How do we pull together the disparate tribes into a peaceful, cohesive Afghan society?
I offered that Afghanistan had been on the right track—it had made progress over the last twenty years, but this was not enough time to develop the national identity, culture, and institutions needed to function as a republic. I offered that the people, however, could continue to progress. I proposed the 3 Cs as a guide: communication, connection, and common goals. Invest in the communication technologies needed to get everyone talking with each other, especially across tribal lines. In time, people will form connections over shared interests; build upon this with education. Eventually, common goals will emerge—nationalistic goals for improving society. I also advised leveraging the international community to pressure the regime into allowing women’s rights and education.
Had time and context allowed, I would have been more direct. The Taliban is now in charge—they call themselves the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. However, an emirate is a fiefdom, which is actually the right societal level for Afghanistan. (A return of the royal family would have been preferable, but there is no one left to take charge.) The people need to continue to develop, however: government follows society, not the other way around. Use the three Cs to evolve into a fiefdom, and then into a nation-state over the coming decades. When people are ready for a republic, try again; but in the meantime, stabilize and develop.
There were many speakers with differing opinions, so whether this message will take root is unclear. What is clear, however, is that Afghanistan still faces many challenges, including the threat of economic collapse and mass starvation this winter. Despite potential hard feelings, they will need our support: it will take the international community to ensure the country doesn’t fall into an abyss and it is right for us to respond accordingly.
Source:
GNMA Conference, 30 Sept 2021; https://www.facebook.com/grandmovement/
Photo: GNMA
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