This article will give my views regarding what the priorities of the authorities should be regarding Afghanistan. The authorities include the Taliban, the Northern Alliance and governments of other nations.
The first priority is to avoid anarchy in the nation of Afghanistan. There is an Arabic saying that states – A day of anarchy is worse than a hundred years of tyranny. I am sure that this saying was the result of hard and bitter experience. I would encourage the Taliban and the Northern Alliance to ensure that anarchy does not prevail in the country. I think that there is civil war between the two forces mentioned above but both parties should ensure that essential government services continue to function.
It was Bertrand Russell who said that the main function of a government is to serve as protection against external criminals and internal enemies.
So this is the first point I would like to make.
The second point is that I think governments world over should encourage an Islamic renaissance similar to what took place in Europe in the past centuries. The change took place between the 14th and the 17th centuries in Europe and western civilization is still reaping the benefits. Basically what I want to encourage is a critical examination of the Islamic holy scriptures within the Muslim community. It was only when it was permitted for the Christian scriptures to be subjected to such scrutiny that Europe and western civilization was able to make giant strides in Science and Technology. And Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) are the foundations on which the strength of the European nations and the United States is based.
I will give just one instance of how these sciences are helping the western nations. India recently purchased Rafale jets from France each of which costed more than 1,600 crores. I am sure the manufacturing costs are negligible. What India paid for was the intellectual property. And that is the result of STEM being encouraged in France post the Renaissance.
I have mentioned this point in previous articles in this blog. Please visit the following links:
This article goes into detail regarding why lack of freedom of speech is harming the Muslim nations.
The above article explains the economic or financial reasons why reforms in the Muslim world are imperative.
Another link that establishes the importance of STEM (as recognised by the USA) is below:
So these are what I think are the essential priorities of all interested powers regarding Afghanistan. I hope the second point is not thought of as too idealistic. I think that the Muslim community needs a new direction towards constructive objectives and encouraging an Islamic renaissance may be the way forward.
There are some more points that I want to make regarding Afghanistan but those will have to wait for another blog article.
I’ll end here. Please explore this site for more articles. Also please comment on what I have written if you liked it or even if you didn’t. Feedback from my readers keeps me going.
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Hi Nikhil, I agree with what you say in your blog. What you are essentially saying is that Islam needs reforms. Islam, as seen by majority of Muslims, teaches that non-Muslims must be looked upon non-believers and therefore deserve to perish. This mindset is difficult to dislodge and the dictat must come from Mecca/Madina, but who will bell the cat.