Sort out differences, please

The government is being seen as a vehicle with two drivers.

“Hundred of dervishes can be fitted on one carpet but two kings cannot be fitted in one region.” From a poem by Sheikh Sady of Shiraz.

The government is being seen as a vehicle with two drivers.

“Hundred of dervishes can be fitted on one carpet but two kings cannot be fitted in one region.” From a poem by Sheikh Sady of Shiraz.

Political expert Hadi Tawasuli sees this as the basis of all the problems facing Afghanistan. “The country is being led by commanders in two centres,” he says.

Differences over big and small issues have put on hold the selection of a defence minister at this crucial time. Tawasuli says,  “The absence of a defence minister who is the key in the fight against those who create insecurity has caused destructive attacks day after day.”

Political analysts who view differences and discussions as healthy for democracy say that when there is only crisis and antagonism, the situation is dangerous. Zia Danesh, a lecturer at Gherjestan private university says these contradictions are sapping the energy of decision-makers. “More important, not being able to coordinate their strategies has triggered (public) concern,” he says of the two leaders, President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah.

Differences in government have delayed the holding of parliamentary elections, which is awaiting the formation of a commission to oversee electoral reforms.

Political uncertainty has worsened security on the highways and along the borders; the economic crisis and joblessness have become chronic problems.

Khalil from Herat province who was working for a food supply and distribution company in Kabul and had to travel to the capital once a month has resigned his job because of fear of abduction on the highway. He says it is the only reason for his giving up his job. “I was not paid enough to afford air travel and travel over land has become so risky that I am prepared to be jobless instead of worrying constantly about being kidnapped.”

The differences between the two leaders have been commented on by civil society.

Ahmad Zaki of the Social Justice Civil Movement says, “The continuation of internal differences, and the absence of a sense of responsibility and conscience of the leaders in the government of national unity have meant people suffer from poverty and disaster.” He urges the leaders to set aside their differences and consider people’s problems, equip the national forces and think harder about countering insecurities.

Political analysts believe problems would be less acute if the Ghani-Abdullah  government of national unity was not just united in name. Mustafa Mubalegh, the writer and journalist says, “Most parts of the current crisis originate from the same source. If the government had been united and coordinated, we would not have been witness (to the present situation).”

Pulling apart

There are unconfirmed reports that both leaders have admitted to failing to find a compromise. The reason that is being hinted at is that people around them who supported them during the elections are constantly exerting pressure to satisfy their own interests. The slightest tilt is strenuously opposed by the other side, and decisions are put on hold even after they have been announced.

Lecturer Zia Danesh says unless the two leaders act together, armed opponents – both internal and external enemies – would benefit from the rift; a weak government would not have either the people’s or international community’s trust and the ability to control tribal tensions, internal strife and contradictions.

Ahmad Sayidi, a political analyst says, “We request both leaders to adhere honestly to the agreement (of national unity) that they have signed, … save themselves from the clutches of the power mafia and opt for (ruling in the) national interest.”