LIFE, LOVE & TRUTH

In some ways, Afghans are more like us than we know.

For example, most Americans probably have no idea when Afghanistan last functioned as a truly independent nation. And yet, on August 19^th, Afghans everywhere celebrate their unique cultural identity and national freedom.

Ironically, in both the U.S. and Afghanistan, Independence Day is tied to victory over Great Britain. It’s a fact. Although Afghans have fought many battles through the centuries (and although Afghanistan was never formally part of the British Empire), one particular defeat of the British in 1919 prompted Afghans to mark their country’s freedom.

“Independence Days” Aren’t Created Equal

But that’s where the similarity with America ends. The U.S. declared independence from Great Britain in 1776 – and then fought a war to earn it. Afghanistan, on the other hand, was forced to fight to preserve its independence.

So what? Does Afghanistan share any other obvious similarities with the U.S.? Not really. Not in the form of government, infrastructure, standard of living, rule of law, or legally protected rights for all of its citizens. Unfortunately, Afghanistan – a civilization older than ours by at least a millennium – is still woefully behind us on all these counts. And after decades of war, the country is still struggling desperately to catch up – despite significant financial, military and humanitarian help from us, and many other nations.

Afghan Freedom – More Questions Than Answers

Why should any of this matter to us Americans, half a world away? Does Afghanistan really have meaning for us? And should we continue to support them at all?

More and more Americans of every political persuasion seem to be asking those questions. Conservatives and liberals, alike, wonder aloud if the human and financial capital we’re investing in Afghanistan is worth it. Will it ever make any lasting difference to Afghans – or to us, here in our own country?

We wonder if the Afghan people really want to see progress, and if they’re able to rise above a deep-rooted tendency to fight amongst themselves and with others. Their history is one of continuous conflict, and they pride themselves on their fiercely independent, warring spirit.

More than almost any other territory on the planet, Afghanistan has been claimed by and has defeated more empires – from Alexander the Great and Muslim Arabs, to Persians and the Soviet Union. Even when Afghans aren’t banding together to defeat powerful external threats, they’re often embroiled in their own dynastic feuds between tribal empires. For them, warfare is almost as necessary and natural as breathing. Many of us from other nations wonder if this can change – or if it’s worth the bother to try.

Of course, warfare always harms innocents – women, children, the poor, the elderly, the sick, those who have no means to resist, and those who cannot move out of harm’s way. Afghanistan is full of such people. In fact, most Afghans probably fit this description. In one year working there, I saw more poverty than I had seen in the previous 50 years of my life.

What’s in it for Us?

There are those who would say, “That’s not our problem.” To me, this attitude is more than just callous and cavalier. It’s also short-sighted. Our planet is shrinking every day, as technology brings us closer and closer together. 9/11 could not have happened without modern technology such as cell phones, the Internet, and sadly, of course, modern jumbo jets.

There are still terrorists in Afghanistan who are sworn to destroy anyone who stands in their way. They can, will, and do attack innocent victims anywhere, at any available opportunity. Fighting them where they live seems to make more sense than waiting for them to attack us again.

But a bigger question remains. Are we obligated to continue helping desperate Afghans who live in the shadow of the Taliban and al Qaeda? Should we make it our business to help innocent civilians, while we are in their country, fighting terrorists?

This reminds me of the classic story of brothers Cain and Abel, in the Bible’s Book of Genesis. Cain asks God, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” What human obligation do we have to help those who are less fortunate than ourselves?

I believe it’s actually in our own best interests to do just that – to help those who need it – wherever they may be. By bringing hope and progress to Afghan people, we make the world a little safer – which ultimately makes it safer for us, and those we love. I doubt that we can ever rid the world of hateful ideologies. But most people seek peace. Therefore, if we work to promote peace and prosperity for whomever desires those things, then we ultimately reduce any attraction to terrorism.

Besides, in making friends, we create more friends throughout the world – we get what we give.

But What About Afghans?

It’s clear that they value the concept of freedom. Despite the conflicts and displacement their citizens have endured for generations, a National Day of Independence continues to live on.

Therefore, I encourage all Americans to consider how we can help the people of Afghanistan come closer to experiencing the level of freedom and security we enjoy here in America. What can we do to help Afghans more fully embrace life, liberty and the pursuit of their own happiness? I’m sure they would enjoy this as much as we do – given half a chance. (Just ask any Afghan emigrant, who is torn between living in an unstable, intolerant homeland, or taking their chances in a more hospitable foreign country.)

Who knows what the future holds? But if each of us does our part today, perhaps one day in the future, our Afghan brothers and sisters may be in a position to return the favor. And there may come at a time when we could benefit from their help.

Regardless – I wish a Happy Independence Day to our Afghan friends around the world. May the blessings of peace and prosperity come to you and your country soon – along with all the other blessings that freedom can bring!

Jeff

P.S. I invite you to discuss issues like this with me and others. Join us at the “Afghan Journal” Facebook Forum:  http://Facebook.com/AfghanJournal.

P.P.S. Interested in what I learned while deployed as trainer to Afghan Border Police? Check out my book at Amazon.com:  “Afghan Journal: A Soldier’s Year in Afghanistan.”