Though Islamic values and rituals were being practiced individually within communities both in urban and rural areas, the presence of U.S. forces and the introduction of Western media, education systems, and consumer goods led to an erosion of Islamic values and customs in the political spectrum, especially among the proWestern technocrat elites who had top positions within the government institutions. In fact, this cultural shift was mostly evident among some urban youth, who were increasingly exposed to and influenced by Western ideals and lifestyles. 4. Besides, the bitter truth is that the military strategy employed by U.S. and NATO forces during the occupation of Afghanistan unfortunately relied heavily on extensive bombing campaigns, explosions, unmanned drones and the use of various artillery, including the notorious Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB), often referred to as the ‘Mother of All Bombs’. For instance, the Guardian, a British daily newspaper, reported in January 2020 that US-NATO warplanes dropped 7,423 bombs and other munitions in Afghanistan in 2019, the most since Pentagon began keeping track in 2006. It’s sad to hear that over the course of 20 years, tens of thousands of bombs were dropped across Afghanistan with the intention of weakening Islamic groups and disrupting their operations, but most of the airstrikes were targeting the innocent civilians throughout the country. Indeed, these bombing campaigns frequently resulted in significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction of property, particularly in rural areas.
The use of the MOAB in Nangarhar Province in 2017 is a stark example of the devastating impact of the US military occupation. The MOAB not only caused considerable damage to the surrounding area, killing civilians and destroying homes, but the indiscriminate nature of these bombings, combined with the extensive use of artillery, also created an environment of fear and insecurity among the Afghan population coupled with toxic environmental harm. Civilians, especially in conflict-prone regions, lived under the constant threat of airstrikes, which not only claimed lives but also shattered communities and livelihoods. The psychological impact of these military operations cannot be overstated; generations of Afghans, particularly women and children, grew up in a state of perpetual fear, witnessing the destruction of their homes and the deaths of family members. The long-term trauma inflicted by this violence continued to affect Afghan society, contributing to a mental health crisis that is often overlooked.
Furthermore, the imprisonment of large number of Muslims during the occupation in Bagram, Guantanamo and other terrifying prisons – many of whom were detained without any charges – demonstrated the sense of injustice and brutality of the occupying forces against Afghan people. This widespread use of military force, combined with the arbitrary detention of individuals, put the Afghans in hot water during the occupation days. 5. Likewise, one of the most profound and lasting impacts of the U.S. occupation of Afghanistan was the significant loss of political sovereignty of the country. With the establishment of the republic and/or democratic regime under the auspices of foreign powers, Afghanistan’s autonomy in making key decisions about its governance, economy, and military was severely compromised. Many of the major political and economic policies implemented during the occupation were designed and dictated by the U.S. and its allies, often with little regard for the needs and aspirations of the Afghan people. This loss of control over national affairs led to a widespread perception that the Afghan government was merely a puppet regime, serving the interests of foreign powers rather than those of its own citizens. This perception undermined the legitimacy of the government, contributing to the erosion of public trust and increasing the appeal of Islamic military and intellectual groups who positioned themselves as true representatives of Afghan independence. Even after the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces, Afghanistan is still facing significant challenges in re-establishing its sovereignty and sustaining its interdependence. The political structures and institutions that had been put in place during the occupation were often ill-suited to the realities of Afghan society, leading to ongoing instability and governance issues. The legacy of weakened governance and dependence on foreign aid left Afghanistan struggling to regain control over its own destiny. Milestones to be Achieved What’s important to realize is that Afghanistan has truly achieved its independence from the US-NATO military occupation, now the entire nation faces the critical task of safeguarding this hard-won independence. Indeed, Afghanistan’s history is a testament to its strategic importance on the world stage, a geography that has attracted the ambitions of empires for centuries.
From the ancient conquests of the Greek Empire under Alexander to the brutal invasions of the Mongol Empire, the imperial expansions of the British Empire, and the country’s occupations by the Soviet Union, and most recently, the United States and NATO, Afghanistan has been a focal point for global power struggles. Each of these superpowers sought to control Afghanistan for its geostrategic location and resources, only to find themselves entangled in a complex web of resistance. Afghanistan’s rugged terrain, coupled with the fierce independence and warrior spirit (Jihadi sentiments) of its people, has earned it the moniker ‘Graveyard of Empires’. This history of repeated invasions underscores the importance of vigilance in preventing future occupations. Both the Afghan Muslims and the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan must remain united and resolute in their determination to defend our sovereignty, ensuring that Afghanistan does not once again become a battleground for foreign powers. The lessons of the past serve as a powerful reminder that freedom is not easily won and must be fiercely protected. Throughout history, the Afghan Muslims have demonstrated an unwavering resolve in the face of foreign occupation. This resistance is deeply embedded in the Islamic values (waging Jihad against the occupation of any kind), shaped by centuries of struggle against powerful invaders. The Afghans’ defiance is not merely a reaction to external threats but a core aspect of our Islamic culture, rooted in a fierce sense of independence and a commitment to protecting our homeland. Whether facing the armies of Alexander the Great, the formidable forces of Genghis Khan, the colonial ambitions of the British, the Soviet Red Army, or the technologically advanced military might of the United States and NATO, the Afghan Muslims have consistently shown that they, as a nation, will not easily submit to foreign rule.
Our resistance is both military and intellectual, as we have fought not only with weapons but also with Islamic ideology and beliefs, challenging the legitimacy of occupiers and asserting our right to self-determination. This legacy of defiance is a source of pride, a reminder that Afghanistan’s sovereignty has been earned through immense sacrifice. The current generation must honor this legacy by continuing to resist any form of external domination, ensuring that the nation remains free and independent. Moreover, the Afghan Muslims’ role in defeating successive occupations has been nothing short of heroic. Over the centuries, we have faced some of the most powerful empires in history and have emerged victorious, not through sheer force alone but through a combination of military prowess, strategic acumen, and intellectual resilience. The resistance against these occupations has often been characterized by a grassroots movement, where ordinary citizens took up arms to defend their villages, towns, and cities. At the same time, Afghan scholars, religious leaders, and intellectuals played a crucial role in shaping the narrative of resistance, inspiring the compatriots to fight for freedom and identity. This dual approach – combining physical resistance with intellectual and spiritual leadership – has been instrumental in uniting us against common enemies. The sacrifices made by countless Afghan Muslims in these struggles are a testament to their unyielding commitment to independence.
As Afghanistan moves forward in this new era of independence, it is essential to remember the contributions of those who fought and sacrificed their precious life for this great cause. Their legacy should serve as a guiding principle for the nation, reminding every Afghan of the value of independence and the need to protect it at all costs. Similarly, in the wake of achieving independence, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan holds a critical responsibility to support and protect the sovereignty of the country. To do so, it must strengthen its connection with the Muslim people by fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. This can be achieved by practicing governance that is deeply rooted in the values and principles of Islam, as laid out in the Quran and Sunnah. Afghanistan’s history has shown that our people are most united and resilient when the political leadership adheres to Islamic principles. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan must, therefore, ensure that its policies, laws, and actions reflect the teachings of Islam, which resonate deeply with the Afghan Muslims. This approach will not only bolster the government’s legitimacy but also reinforce the cultural and religious identity that has sustained the Afghan people through centuries of conflict. By aligning itself with the Islamic values that are intrinsic to Afghan society, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan can build a strong foundation for unity, making it more difficult for external forces to sow discord or undermine the country’s independence. Furthermore, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan must prioritize the development of a robust defense system and strategies to protect Afghanistan’s airspace from being violated by others as well as preclude potential future invasions.
By investing in education, infrastructure, and economic development, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will also ensure that the country is selfsufficient and resilient, reducing its vulnerability to foreign influence. Conclusion In conclusion, the 20-year U.S. occupation of Afghanistan has left a legacy of profound and multi-layered adversities for the Afghan Muslims. The political corruption that took root during the occupation weakened the governance structures, eroded public trust, and empowered warlords who exploited their positions for personal gain. The economy, heavily reliant on foreign aid, remained shallow and fragile, failing to develop the necessary foundations for sustainable growth. Also, extensive bombing campaigns and the use of artillery caused widespread destruction, significant civilian casualties, and deep psychological trauma. The introduction of Western cultural norms led to social fragmentation and an identity crisis. The loss of political sovereignty further compounded these issues, as Afghanistan struggled to assert its independence in the face of external pressures. These adversities have left Afghanistan in a precarious position, facing enormous challenges as it seeks to rebuild and move forward in the post-occupation era. Last but not least, since independence is a blessing bestowed by Allah (SWT) to all Afghan Muslims; therefore, it is upon the Afghan Muslims and the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to critically protect the independence and/or sovereignty of the country.
Courtesy The Kabul Times, Daily 31st August 2024.
