For nearly two years, Afghanistan has been under the control of a group notorious for its suicide bombers. This group has openly boasted about their suicide attacks, claiming that the brutality of ISIS is nothing compared to their own activities. In an interview with National TV, which is under the control of the Taliban, Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman of the Taliban, stated that ISIS “sometimes secretly and skillfully” carries out attacks, but that it is nothing compared to “the experiences we had and what the people of Afghanistan have seen.” Recently, the person in charge of the suicide attacks of the Haqqani network also spoke about his operations against the former government and the killing of American forces in an American documentary, parts of which were broadcast by Afghanistan International TV. In the “America and the Taliban Documentary,” Samiullah Mohammadi, the person in charge of the Haqqani network‘s suicide attacks, said, “The Pakistani army was training us to destroy the Afghan government and kill Americans.” In the early days of its domination over Afghanistan, this group disseminated images of suicide devices and bombers through national television, which resulted in the deaths of thousands of people and the destruction of public facilities.
In the first year of their return to power, the Taliban boasted of having a suicide force of several. Despite their political missteps and terrorist activities, they are now ruling the country by force, openly discussing violence and killing more than carrying out suicide attacks in front of the world. They have used the media, which they have taken control of, as a platform to spread hatred and violence.
The behavior of the Taliban is deeply concerning, but even more so is the world‘s response to them. Despite their involvement in international terrorism, their open discussion of suicide, explosions and the slaying of people, particularly Americans, they have not been subject to any international criticism. This group, known for killings, explosions and suicide attacks which have been widely reported in the media, are now using the media to impose restrictions on citizens, whip, torture and threaten further suicide attacks if their orders are not followed. Through this, they are attempting to pressure public opinion and gain more ground due to the weakness of political currents, thus creating a favorable historical opportunity for them to gain power and influence.
On the contrary, the Taliban are outmoded politicians who cling to a nostalgic dream. They have monopolized the media and are missing out on opportunities due to the recent changes in the region and the world. They remain stuck in the past, clinging to the theories and outdated frameworks of the republican era. However, if they do not adopt a more accurate and realistic outlook, their regime will soon collapse.
Politicians should not make the same mistake of assuming they can cooperate with the Taliban and form a joint government, as they will be the ultimate losers in this political game. Political life is determined by the interaction and evolution of political currents, and thus it is essential to understand, analyze, and predict the current situation in order to create a new framework for the future. Those who oppose the Taliban should also strive to eliminate the political culture of individualism, one–vote, monopoly, and sanctimoniousness, which are detrimental to a pluralistic and democratic society and can lead to the negation of democracy.
Politicians opposed to the Taliban should embrace administrative governance and democratic processes, rather than reducing politics to a leader–follower dynamic. The Taliban themselves provide a prime example of this. The new policy should be based on collective agreement and a new definition of social relations and existing realities, forming a contract that includes the mutual demands and ideals of citizens. It should not seek to strengthen tribal and ethnic order, as any structure that allows for the lifelong power of ethnic leaders and their descendants is doomed to fail.
If politicians are to remain in politics, they must acknowledge their past errors, repudiate the political harm and personal choices they have made, and assess the repercussions they have had on politics. In a situation where the policies of the game in the region have been altered, and new players have entered the arena, the re–evaluation of politics becomes even more essential. As an unpleasant truth of Afghan politics, the Taliban have a strong presence and have acquired numerous opportunities at their disposal. Consequently, if rival politicians do not join forces, do not emphasize the danger of the lasting presence of the Taliban in the decision–making centers of the world, and do not replace the Taliban, the citizens will continue to endure a low quality of life.
