The history of political tyranny in Afghanistan is one of the primary causes of its underdevelopment. Although there have been brief periods of freedom, these have been the exception rather than the rule. There are a number of complex factors that contribute to the rise of tyranny, which is the source of all kinds of corruption. The first factor is psychological; tyranny flourishes in societies where honor and dignity have been replaced by humiliation and depravity. In societies where the majority of people are free and honorable, no tyranny will arise and no tyrant will be able to remain in power. The second factor is economic; people who are hungry and destitute cannot maintain their dignity and respect. Prolonged hunger, poverty, and a reliance on charity have stripped the country of any sense of honor, making it difficult for people to associate with the concept of freedom. The third factor is cultural; culture is a long-lasting phenomenon that is constantly evolving. If praise, flattery, and nepotism become the norm among cultural elites, and poets, writers, muftis, jurists, and artists become the servants of the ruling power, the culture of that society will become authoritarian.
When psychological, economic, and social factors combine and all work in favor of tyranny, freedom will be restricted and honorable individuals will be imprisoned or exiled, creating a sense of oppression. In Afghanistan during the last century, its most esteemed citizens have either been incarcerated, exiled, or have perished in agonizing solitude.
Certainly, there is a way to eliminate tyranny. Just as every illness has a remedy, every social issue has a resolution. Many countries have experienced the oppression of tyrannical regimes, but they were able to alter their destiny with determination once they understood the importance of freedom and respected their dignity. Countries that chose honor and self-respect over humiliation refused to submit to oppression. They considered the true causes of this phenomenon, advocated for fundamental change, and rejected tyranny and dictatorship.
Afghanistan is currently under the control of one of the most oppressive regimes; torture and oppression are a part of everyday life, but this does not mean that change is impossible. In order to initiate a new trend, it is necessary for the people to recognize the importance of freedom, dignity, and honor, and to support those who are fighting for freedom. The first step is to reject flattery and servitude, and to teach our future generations the value of human dignity and honor. Freedom comes at a cost, and we must be prepared to pay it.
