The recent developments in Kabul have left the world puzzled and disturbed over the future of the Afghan people. Bahrainis, along with other observers, have followed the issue of Afghanistan and Taliban’s capture of the state with great concern, particularly around the issue of whether this will increase terrorism and extremism. Below are a wide range of opinions by Bahrainis about this theme:
How can the world just sit there?”
“It’s a disaster for democracy and a disgrace to the US most specifically. America’s twenty-year-long project to save Afghanistan has failed.” The US has failed its own people; a twenty-year war with thousands of American lives lost and here we are once again, back to the starting point” Hala, 38
“Taliban’s quick takeover of the capital will certainly have an effect on the politics of the region. Different countries are reacting differently to Taliban. Hence, there is room for more division in the world over this issue”. Faisal, 30
“This is a disaster not only for Afghanistan, but for the international community. How can the world just sit there and watch a terrorist organisation regain its power”? Marwa, 36
“US and its allies have turned their backs”
“The US and its allies have turned their backs on the Afghan people. Their war on terror and plans for democracy in Afghanistan and elsewhere are an utmost failure”. Amal, 29
“Taliban’s return is a motivation for terrorist groups like ISIS. Their dreams of invading countries and being diplomatically recognized by neighbouring states can turn into reality” Abdulrahman, 32
After four years of Donald Trump, we were told that President Biden was an experienced leader who would make considered decisions. I can’t understand how he’d let this be such a disaster when everyone was apparently telling him that this would happen. Why does America always make the worst possible decisions when it comes to the Middle East and foreign policy? American policies created Daesh in Iraq, and now Afghanistan has become a state controlled by Daesh, the Taliban and Al-Qaeda” Hassan 29
“What will Afghan women do?”
“Afghanistan will now be a land that will nurture more terrorists and extremists. It is so painful seeing Taliban rule Afghanistan once again. What will Afghan women do, as Taliban promises to return to imposing their own extremist false interpretation of Sharia law”. Sara 34
“Perhaps the world should give Taliban a chance. Taliban has an understanding of Afghan society, unlike the US and others. Their rule could be suitable for the culture of the Afghan people. Considering they have promised that they are seeking peace”. Khalid 30
“One can never trust an organization like the Taliban. They have a bloody history, just like the Ayatollahs of Iran. They rule by causing panic and paranoia among the public. An extremist militant organization calling for peace, is simply a joke” Layla 40
“The US has caused a mess”
“They are extremists and the world should overcome extremism. The US has caused a mess in Afghanistan and it should do something about the situation” Mariam 37
“America is not responsible for protecting the Afghans against Taliban. It has worked with the Afghan society to establish institutions and the rule of law. The Afghan government has turned its back on its own people and not America. Why were Afghan governors and armed forces not ready to fight for their country?” Mahmood 28
“Twenty years is a period long enough to promote democracy and help establish a secure state that protects its own people. The US has played its role and its time now for the Afghans to protect themselves against the Taliban or others” Omar 34
“The biggest terrorist state in the world”
“We cannot expect America to save the day whenever we have to deal with extremists or terrorists. Some societies nurture extremist behaviour and then expect the west to interfere and liberate them. And some others take offense in western intervention. It’s a chaotic situation and societies need to work on their core issues whether its education or religious ideology that leads to the creation of extremist groups’” Ahmed 29
“It will be interesting to see how Taliban’s rule would effect relations with countries such as Iran and other neighbouring states. Iran is always meddling in other states; now it has the biggest terrorist state in the world at its back door – and the Taliban really hate the Ayatollahs!” Fatima 33
“The people of Afghanistan have suffered a lot under the rule of Taliban, especially women, they denied them of their right to education and to simply be active members of their society. Taliban needs to work on some confidence building measures with the people of Afghanistan and internationally if it wants to be recognized. Does the Taliban really want to be recognized?” Aisha 34