Human societies, in terms of the stages of their historical trajectory and social evolution, are not uniform. What unfolds in these societies, from political to social, cultural, artistic, and scientific activities, reflects their level of growth and development. The predominant societies in the pre-developmental stages are identified as patriarchal societies in terms of social hierarchies and power structures. Patriarchal societies are those where individuality is not yet recognized, and the majority of citizens are perceived as immature adolescents incapable of discerning their interests and losses and must be under guardianship and supervision. Those who take on the guardianship of citizens play the role of fathers for the offspring, but a traditional role that, while it can be accompanied by paternal kindness, does not distinctly define rights for children. In such a society, procreation is a means for the goals and plans of the fathers, as the numerical abundance of offspring implies an increase in laborers, soldiers, and service providers. The offspring, as a legal personality, is a modern concept belonging to the modern era, and this is one of the factors that has led to a semantic shift in the trend of procreation in developed countries; in a way that parents, before becoming parents themselves, feel obligated to prepare for the entry of a new legal personality into their family structure and to be ready for their legal and ethical responsibilities towards them.
In patriarchal societies, the path to power and social status involves complete submission to those in authority, who assume the role of fathers and exercise their capabilities based on such a relationship. Acceptance of submissiveness, conformity, avoidance of criticism, and acknowledgment of the superiority of knowledgeable and capable patriarchal figures are integral to the collective thought system in such societies. In this social structure, critical thinking is not nurtured, creativity and innovation are minimized, and the pursuit of novelty is viewed as a warning sign that could signal the end of the ancient patriarchal order. The way to progress in such a society is through unquestioning obedience and the execution of commands, though this conformity and obedience are often veiled under more palatable terms such as respect, courtesy, politeness, and superior upbringing. This does not imply that modern societies lack respect and courtesy; rather, the measure by which these qualities can be assessed in modern societies is the voluntary choice of individuals who adopt these principles out of independence and self-sufficiency, not out of fear of punishment or the wrath of patriarchal authorities.
Afghanistan is still in the pre-developmental stages, and the patriarchal culture continues to play a prominent role, with politics in this society prominently reflecting the patriarchal order. Despite more than half a century passing since the formation of political parties as a modern phenomenon belonging to today’s world, political parties themselves have contributed to the reproduction of the patriarchal situation. As a result, the leaders of these parties have turned into patriarchal figures and tribal chieftains, immune from questioning and unaccountable to those they govern. Rather than serving a bureaucratic role in distributing tasks and organizing affairs, party hierarchies predominantly replicate the pyramid of patriarchal power. Those at the top of this hierarchy easily become revered leaders and cunning guides, with a wave of flattery and sycophancy flowing toward them. The term “Baba” carries a specific meaning in this cultural and political context, signifying universal respect for someone who is referred to as the father of the nation. Followers of certain political figures explicitly add the prefix “Baba” to their names, proudly considering them their political fathers.
After half a century of political transformations, a generation of Afghan politicians is now in the process of retiring from politics. Despite their strong desire to continue their presence in this arena, the weakening of their foundations and biological erosion have sounded the farewell bell. The ability to play a significant role has greatly diminished. However, their departure or sidelining does not signify a change in the rules of the political game or a transformation in the patriarchal order. Instead, many of them are striving to establish their offspring as successors and pave the way for their leadership. One of the reasons for the fall of the republic regime was the attempts by some politicians to impose their inexperienced and untested offspring on the political stage of Afghanistan, displacing more capable and deserving individuals and preventing better talents from entering the field to fill the leadership vacuum for future generations. This is not limited to the opposition front against the Taliban but is evident even within this group, where the sons of Mullah Omar and the sons of Jalaluddin Haqqani are recognized by their fatherly lineage and have found a place within this organization.
Politics in Afghanistan is shaped by the shadow of fathers, and their presence is an integral part of the Afghan political landscape. This, at times, leads to contradictions, as the offspring have grown up in different eras and contexts compared to their fathers and cannot simply replicate the exact principles of their predecessors. On the other hand, they have borrowed their political and social identity from their fathers and lack distinct qualities that would give them an independent identity. While their fathers possessed the skill to navigate successfully through challenges, despite shortcomings and errors, their offspring find themselves in a situation where taking away their fathers’ names leaves them without significant merit or personal capabilities to carve a meaningful place in the political realm.
Moreover, some of them do not genuinely believe in the ideologies and thoughts their fathers adhered to when entering politics. However, in practice, they pretend to endorse these beliefs to avoid social and political repercussions. Those who lack genuine belief cannot defend their positions with strength and conviction, thus making it challenging for them to become authentic and successful politicians. An authentic politician is someone who stands firm in what they have achieved and believed in, courageously advocating for their convictions with resilience and fortitude.
The rupture caused by the fall of the republic regime presented an opportunity for seasoned and weary politicians to step aside, paving the way for the emergence of a new generation of activists and politicians. This created a chance for a new model of politics to unfold in Afghanistan. However, such a transformation requires politicians to liberate themselves from the shadows of their fathers and choose a path that aligns with the contemporary era and generation. Not only on an individual level but also collectively, Afghanistan must break free from patriarchal politics and the revolving axis of “Babas.”
Legendary tales such as the confrontation between Rostam and Sohrab in ancient Persian literature and the crucifixion of Christ by the heavenly father in Christian literature symbolize the generational conflict and the separation of their paths. Societies that recognize the individuality and independence of their citizens bid farewell to paternalism. Afterward, they succeed in choosing their path responsibly and shaping their destiny consciously. This change allows them to move beyond the influence of paternal figures, enabling them to make informed decisions about their future.