Afghanistan is facing a governance crisis. The ruling group’s stringent measures and inflexibility have caused public dismay. While the de facto authority implores the world for recognition, they can not have it if the people at home are unhappy and unsatisfied. People’s welfare and local and national reforms should be the priority.
Resolving issues with the country fellows is a much better and more respectful procedure to proceed forward – making way for domestic reforms – than begging the international community for legitimacy and recognition. Looking back at the past, one can not afford to commit violence as pressure for reforms as it would not lead to success. There is a need to be more serious and focus on political settlement rather than repeating the pungent past.
In addition to the obligatory status of education in the charter of the United Nations and other global organizations, education is considered compulsory for everyone in Islam. Unfortunately, middle and high school female students in Afghanistan are banned from attending schools for more than 400 days. This petrifying act has severely damaged the global image of the Taliban and Afghanistan.
Freedom of expression is a vital human right. Islam advocates and appreciates the freedom of expression – given that it is not violating moral and spiritual redlines. The suppression of freedom of expression is a misinterpretation of Islamic values by the kitchen cabinet members of the monarch.
On the other hand, it is ironic that though such laws exist in certain Muslim societies, racial discrimination and blasphemy have become the most dangerous and provocative weapon under the title of freedom of expression. Such criminalization is considered to be the root cause of radicalism and fundamentalism.
Taking into account the current trend of information technology developments, it looks nearly impossible for a backward country to impose censorship and ban on media. Therefore, in compliance with the principles of the Islamic imperative, the right to freedom of expression must be fully restored. If we want to stop the current storm of propaganda by the West, we must ensure freedom of speech without insulting beliefs and personal sanctuaries.
Besides, the constitution is considered the most important legal document and the source of other by-laws for every country and nation. It generally regulates the nature of relations between the state and society, and other countries. The constitution brings societies from the dark age of petrification to the bright age of modern civilization. It limits the powers of the ruling group and creates a framework for governance.
The first constitution in the history of Islam, which regulated the relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims, was written in the early days of the Prophet’s migration and is called the Medina Agreement. The agreement (constitution) ensured the rights of non-Muslim citizens in Islamic society. People of other religions were free to practice their religious obligations under the political leadership of the Prophet, peace be upon him, based on the agreement of various tribes and religious groups. In personal law, each religious group interacted in compliance with its religious laws.
Beyond the declaration of human rights and the United Nations Charter, Islam has entitled human beings as the most dignified creature of Allah the Almighty on earth. When Adam was created, Allah taught him first and then ordered his holy creatures (angels) to offer him respect, and they did it. The instance tells us that humans have the highest status among the living. For the Afghan government top, the focus and priority should be the people, as says the history of humankind and Islam.
The legitimacy of government in political science is defined as the acceptance of the rule or expression of confidence in the (ruling) group over the country – as per its capabilities in fulfilling national and international obligations. International legitimacy is more often based on domestic legitimacy, but after taking power through the use of force, the term international legitimacy is used for international confidence in the ability of the new regime to fulfill its international responsibilities.
It would have been fruitful and for the better of the Afghan people if influentials from all segments of society, including women politicians, religious scholars, technocrats, and ethnic and minority leaders sat together to settle internal disputes. This way, they could ensure social cohesion and public trust while addressing their core concerns and creating more opportunities for them. It could help them prove to the world that in the aftermath of past catastrophes, they have learned not only to go with people’s aspirations and fulfill their promises but to secure their lives, property, and dignity.
Well-balanced external relations based on national interests while ensuring Afghanistan’s neutrality in the regional sensitivities and rivalries can help us strengthen our political fabric. Establishing an independent judicial and legislative system, formation of an inclusive government, eradicating corruption, and taking concrete steps towards initiating accepted constitutional changes to prevent the acquisition of power through the bullet are some prerequisites for the government to bring stability to the country and create social harmony. Fulfillment of commitments focusing on merits while assigning responsibilities are all the obligations of the authorities and requirements of the people and the concerns of the international community.
Establishing a strong bilateral agreement between the government and the people is an essential indicator of good governance. The politicians at their first practical step in politics acknowledge that they are the parents of the nation. Some of their children may be naughty, and others can be obedient and calm, but this is why they have assumed the role of a parent. The people must also do their part of the obligation, i.e., to accept the authority of parents. This is a two-way relationship, called the partnership between the ruler and the people.
Analyzing the people’s demands in decisions, ensuring justice, and reviving the dead hopes of the deprived segment of society can be considered important indicators for legitimacy. Taking into account the wishes and demands of the people in making major decisions and policies in the system is contemplated as the guarantee of legitimacy.
To conclude, for domestic legitimacy, the constitution ratified and endorsed by the traditional Grand Jirga or the referendum, functioning the triple pillars of the state, giving the rights of its citizens, the people’s participation in the government, and most importantly, the establishment of a system are the major requirements for the state.
External legitimacy is the collective judgment of the international community for the legitimacy of a rightful member of the world community in fulfilling its national responsibilities and compliance with international commitments.
Courtesy: Matrix Media
November 17, 2022
