COMMEMORATING THE 23RD ANNIVERSARY OF AHMAD SHAH MASSOUD

Thank you for inviting me to speak, an incredible turn out. I’ll make the best of what I’ve got at short notice, and with train delays, do excuse the dishevelled look. I will also speak in English, and not Farsi. 

I will speak a little on the political futures of a new Afghanistan, and have a few thoughts to share with you. We all know what happens when westerners try to step-in and “repair” Afghanistan, and this will one of the points I touch upon in my talk. Today we find ourselves poised at a crucial juncture in Afghanistan's history,  Three  years after the brutal takeover and the total reduction of the people and culture of Afghanistan, a peaceful, beautiful, and diverse country. 

Today, we gather to explore the profound impact of Ahmad Shah Massoud, a pivotal figure in the ongoing quest for Afghanistan's identity and future. As a visionary leader and skilled military strategist, his remarkable legacy embodies courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to freedom, or as you would say ‘Azadi’. In these desperate and challenging times, Massoud’s is indeed a national hero, a trailblazers for a better future. His contributions to a prosperous future resonate more powerfully than ever, inspiring us to reflect on our shared struggles and aspirations for a brighter tomorrow, as sir Simon just said its upto the younger generation to rebuild, and we have not given up the belief in a free, democratic Afghanistan.

Facing up to the formidable task of rebuilding a nation that has endured decades of conflict and upheaval, intervention by globalist powers is no easy task and it will all of us: For years globalist agendas have tried and failed to conquer Afghanistan, such as the U.S, and Russia. As we all have seen China is now abusing Afghanistan in this fragile state of Taliban control, abuse of Afghanistan’s natural resources; coupled with total eradication of human rights, and an ongoing gender apartheid, we must rebuild, but from the ground up. The return of the Taliban to power has underscored the failures of the past. The centralised, autocratic governance model, and the collective failure to understand internal political dynamics within Afghanistan, highlighting the urgent need for a new political system rooted in democracy, inclusivity, and responsiveness to the needs of the Afghan people.

However, Afghanistan’s path forward must be anchored in a reimagined governance framework that embraces decentralisation and possibly federalism, although this detail needs more teasing out. This shift is essential because the concentration of power in Kabul has historically fuelled resentment and alienation among Afghanistan’s diverse provinces and regions. By devolving authority to subnational governments, a federal model can empower local communities to enact policies that reflect their unique cultural, economic, and social contexts.

Establishing regional parliaments or assemblies will enable these communities to take charge of essential services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. Meanwhile, the central government would focus on national security, foreign policy, and coordinating comprehensive economic and social policies. Such a system must address longstanding ethnic and regional tensions by creating autonomous or semi-autonomous regions with fair resources and decision-making authority. Successful implementation hinges on the active involvement of diverse political and civil society stakeholders, alongside international support.

This new political vision requires strengthening Afghanistan’s democratic institutions. Establishing a robust, independent electoral commission to ensure free and fair elections is vital. Moreover, a multiparty system must appear to stand for Afghanistan’s diverse political ideologies and interests effectively.

A new Afghan constitution must enshrine democratic principles, including the separation of powers, protection of civil liberties, and accountability of elected officials. Effective mechanisms for public participation, like town hall meetings and citizen advisory boards, will be crucial in promoting transparency and responsiveness in governance.

Moreover, empowering traditionally marginalised groups—such as women, ethnic and religious minorities, and youth—must be prioritised. This empowerment could be achieved through affirmative action, reserved legislative seats, and targeted support for political participation.

The success of Afghanistan’s political transformation depends on the active engagement of its citizens and national, all of you. A culture of civic participation must be cultivated, empowering Afghans to hold leaders accountable and advocate for their interests. This goal can be achieved through civic education programs, community advocacy campaigns, getting women and girls back into education, educating boys and girls alsike giving them the tools to build Afghanistan’s future and strengthened civil society organisations.

Additionally, transparency, anti-corruption measures, and upholding the rule of law are non-negotiable tenets for any new political system. Establishing independent oversight bodies, implementing robust fiscal management systems, and ensuring accountability for abuses of power will be integral to building trust in governance.

Rebuilding Afghanistan’s political system is a daunting but necessary journey toward stability, prosperity, and justice. By embracing decentralisation, democratic governance, and civic engagement, Afghanistan can overcome the root causes of its longstanding conflicts and empower its citizens to shape their own destiny.

This ambitious endeavour requires the unwavering determination of the Afghan people and the sustained commitment of the international community. With an unobstructed vision and steadfast dedication to democracy, human rights, and inclusive governance, Afghanistan can forge a brighter future for all its citizens—appearing from the ashes of its past and stepping confidently into a new era.

However, if we are to build a path forward and if we are to create the change we want to see this will take money, and lots of it,  time, people and the diaspora, to see us through the failure of western infrastructure to uphold human rights, democracy and the rule of law over a 20 year campaign of intervention in the county, but we must also be realistic about what can be achieved. This must bring women and girls to be at the table, this must take the diverse tapestry of Afghanistan to put ethnic tensions to one side, to stand together for a better Afghanistan and this must include realistic progress. Afghanistan needs a total new approach to how we look at the country, but this must start and ends with the Afghan people, however those of us invested in Afghanistan choose to assist, it must be led from the back. 

Thank you.