Review of Afghanistan developments
Following the shooting of Rahmanullah Lakanwal in the United States, a significant surge of reactions emerged on social media among Afghan refugees and the diaspora, revolving around the slogan “I am not Afghan”. While this movement seems to be a direct response to a particular incident, it also embodies historical roots, colonial policies, external influences, and socio-political changes in Afghanistan. The phrase “I am not Afghan” can be interpreted as indicative of the identity voids present in Afghan society; profound voids that previous governments have not only failed to adequately address but have also contributed to widening and perpetuating.
“I am not Afghan”: The historical and colonial origins of an identity divide
Afghanistan, which is a component of the ancient Iranian civilization, experienced a disconnection from its roots and historical-civilizational identity due to the colonial presence and era in the region, leading to a period characterized by identity gaps.
The consequences of colonial policies extend beyond mere identity gaps within Afghanistan; they also encompass the creation of artificial ethnic divisions and borders among nations in the region. By establishing contractual borders and segmenting ethnic groups, the colonial powers facilitated the exacerbation of entrenched differences among countries in the area. The longstanding disparities between Pakistan and Afghanistan can be traced back to these historical colonial policies.
The approach of fostering division and perpetuating colonial governance has resulted in significant ethnic and linguistic identity disparities in Afghanistan. The misguided policies of previous Afghan administrations, which favored a particular identity while marginalizing and discriminating against various ethnic, religious, and linguistic groups, have contributed to the persistence of colonial practices and hindered the advancement of nation-building and state-building efforts in Afghanistan throughout its history.
The outcome of this process has been the continuation of identity disparities and an unfinished national identity in Afghanistan, which is currently expressed in the slogan “I am not Afghan.”
Lakanwal incident: a catalyst that triggered an identity crisis
The discussion surrounding collective and ethnic identity in Afghanistan has evolved into a mechanism for soft warfare and political maneuvering. Even the societal elites, who are anticipated to deliver scientific assessments, frequently find themselves swayed by collective sentiments and become part of the emotional surge. Consequently, the “I am not Afghan” movement has transformed into a platform for political and emotional rivalries. This phenomenon indicates that the critique of national identity, when removed from a scientific and analytical context, has the potential to exacerbate existing divisions.
The Lakanwal incident served as a catalyst that rekindled the historical and social context surrounding identity divisions. Concurrently, the immigration policies of the United States and the recent shifts in the US government’s stance have exacerbated these forms of condemnatory and at times divisive narratives among Afghan refugees and the diaspora.
This circumstance has rendered the “I am not Afghan” movement a prominent subject on social media. The younger generation of refugees and the diaspora, who, for various reasons, experience identity gaps, have adopted the slogan “I am not Afghan” as a way to articulate their dissent and personal identity, thereby unintentionally facilitating political maneuvers in the soft conflict against Afghanistan.
The proliferation of the “I am not Afghan” movement within immigrant communities
Politicians and nations that gain from the rise of this form of soft conflict are attempting to exploit the situation to their benefit by emphasizing ethnic and identity distinctions in Afghanistan. The “I am not Afghan” movement clearly originates from both internal and external political rivalries. External parties, by accentuating ethnic and racial disparities, aim to steer the reactions of Afghan society towards particular objectives. Historical evidence indicates that such strategies not only fail to address identity issues but also exacerbate divisions and hinder the advancement of a unified national identity.
The “I am not Afghan” movement has fostered a polarized environment, particularly among Afghan refugees and the diaspora residing in the United States. If this polarization persists, it will ultimately undermine Afghan society’s capacity to address stringent immigration and social policies. In light of this, it is crucial for Afghan refugees and the diaspora to come together and formulate a unified agenda to advocate for their rights. Disunity and conflict not only amplify state pressure but also diminish the chances of safeguarding collective rights.
Identity polarization; the political utilization of the phrase “I am not Afghan”
Afghanistan’s national identity encompasses various ethnic groups, religions, a shared collective identity, historical context, cultural elements, and language. The development of a national identity necessitates a scientific and contemporary environment that reflects the diverse interests of society. External interference, an emotionally charged atmosphere, and political manipulation have obstructed this process, rendering national identity a contentious and polarized topic. Emphasizing scientific analysis may facilitate improved management of movements like “I am not Afghan” and help mitigate identity-related conflicts.
The experiences of various countries indicate that national identity should be developed within the context of the contemporary state and nation, incorporating all national frameworks, interests, and perspectives from the full range of society.
The experiences of various nations indicate that national identity should be developed within the context of the contemporary state and nation, incorporating all national frameworks, interests, and perspectives across the full range of society.
The failure to institutionalize shared values and identity has exacerbated the divisions and polarizations within Afghan society. The “I am not Afghan” movement serves as a prime example of the repercussions stemming from this structural void.
At this juncture, as the influence of external intervention diminishes, it is an opportune moment for Afghanistan’s national institutions to adopt a more inclusive approach. This inclusivity should ensure that the diverse ethnic, religious, and linguistic identities of Afghanistan are adequately represented, thereby facilitating the genuine process of state and nation building with the involvement and backing of all Afghan citizens. Failing to seize this opportunity may result in a squandered chance for state and nation building, reminiscent of Afghanistan’s painful historical experiences.
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Conclusion
The “I am not Afghan” movement represents more than a fleeting response; it signifies a profound historical, social, and political crisis in Afghanistan. Nevertheless, such discussions, unless they evolve into a national and scientific dialogue, will not address the issues faced by Afghan citizens or refugees residing in other nations. Emotional confrontations on social media platforms do not ensure or enhance the social and human rights of Afghan refugees in the United States and other Western countries. Rather than fostering ethnic divisions, Afghan refugees ought to come together and establish unified legal and humanitarian frameworks to advocate for their rights.
In order to address identity gaps and establish a national identity, Afghan elites need to transition their analyses and critiques from an emotional and political perspective to a scientific one. Maintaining an emotional and polarized environment, while neglecting scientific analysis, will merely exacerbate the gaps and perpetuate social instability.
The phrase “I am not Afghan” ought to be viewed as both a caution and a chance for a scholarly examination of national identity. The present Afghan government, being the sole governing and accountable authority in Afghanistan, should leverage the painful yet educational lessons from history to embrace a new political rationale aimed at establishing national state frameworks and a cohesive national identity in Afghanistan.
