Changing Afghans
F R Chowdhury, London
As I watch the television or read the newspaper, I am saddened by the death of the young British soldiers in Afghanistan. It appears that we are fighting an endless war. From our aspect, the Afghans are not educated or cultured, as over 80% of the population cannot even read or write in their own language. They have little understanding of human rights or democracy, and even understand little of the proper teachings of Islam. They live in caves and kill each other, and have lived in this way for a long time, and will probably continue to do so. There is no way that a conventional war, which we are fighting, now can change Afghanistan. History shows that even Alexander the great had to return from the valley. Other forces have tried but on their return, Afghanistan remains as it was. Change cannot be brought about by war, as it is this pastime that the Afghans have been involved in for many years. However, we cannot sit silently. We have to deal with the menace of terrorism. There has to be a functional government in the Afghanistan that will not allow its soil to be used for training and breeding of terrorism. We have to also ensure that the Afghans get to see the wisdom of growing crops to feed people instead of growing drugs that kill people.The answer is a different kind of war. We have to contribute both financially and through teaching to bring about an educational revolution. We have to educate the Afghans. The Afghan people must learn about the world outside their own country, with a massive educational drive especially in professional and vocational education to support industrial investment and growth. There has to be some degree of military involvement to ensure that social changes can be brought about without hindrance from the terrorists. Our involvement should be restricted to air support where the Afghan troops must maintain the order on the ground. If we cannot bring the social changes with better education, the apparent peace will collapse as soon as we leave. It is time to think seriously and draw up new strategies. We have to find a new way of fighting terrorism and drugs.
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