Belgium (Brussels Morning Newspaper), In the “Jihad” against the Soviet Union and the subsequent civil war between the various Mujahideen factions following the Soviet withdrawal, he was well-known to the Afghan people.
Once again, the name Massoud was a symbol of resistance when the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021, 26 years later. This time, however, the fighter was Ahmad Massoud, the son of the Lion of Panjshir. Of the National Resistance Front (NRF), he is its leader.
I interviewed this youthful NRF leader from Afghanistan while he was in Brussels, meeting with lawmakers and the media. He conveyed his profound sorrow for the lack of involvement and obvious indifference shown by the international community towards the problems facing Afghanistan.
What is your place of birth and education?
Ahmad Massoud: I was born in the province of Takhar in northeastern Afghanistan in July 1989, in a small town named Piyu. I received my diploma from Sandhurst, the Royal Military Academy. In addition, I completed my studies in War Studies at King’s College London, where I covered Western, Arab, Turkish, and Afghan perspectives in my studies of international relations and combat.
How did you feel when you received the invitation to Belgium?
I accepted the invitation to come to Belgium because of several factors, including the person who hosts us in a hotel in Brussels.
It is Europe’s capital, to start. Second, it brought up memories of my father receiving an invitation from the European Union, although one that did not go to Brussels. Thirdly, I want to send a message to the families of the two individuals who came to kill my father under the guise of journalists when they were Al-Qaeda members. You killed Ahmad Shah Massoud, but we continue on his path since millions of people were born into the Massoud family and fought for their freedom.
- Regarding your foreign trips and meetings with leaders of political parties and members of parliament in Europe, I wanted to ask why you didn’t receive political and financial support?
“My trips were not to solicit foreign aid from the East or the West,” he claimed in this interview. My main goal is to bring attention to the voices of Afghan men and women who have been suppressed. I’m here to express the anguish and suffering endured by a country that the rest of the world has decided to ignore. As the head of the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan, an organization that represents the country’s citizens, I’m devoted to their defense. I feel compelled, in light of the present injustices, brutalities, and bloodshed, to remain steadfast and to draw attention to the suffering that the people of Afghanistan endure.
The terrible and terrible circumstances that the people of Afghanistan are living in must be acknowledged and comprehended by the world community. People in despair might find hope in these gatherings, these interviews, and the voices heard inside them, which also shine a light on the daily struggles they confront. We intend to make the lives of Afghans better. Foreign help is not the only thing that gives us hope. Our determination should not falter, even if other nations choose not to back us. We are sure that we will succeed because of the collective strength of our people, even though we will continue to resist. I firmly think that the Afghan people can overcome these challenges and achieve triumph with God’s help.
How do you see the current situation of the people in Afghanistan, especially women, under the rule of the Taliban? Because the Taliban use the name of religion and commit the most violence against the people. They are imprisoned, raped, subjected to force to move or migrate, forced marriages, and the murder of defenseless people. Are these actions tolerable to you?
Reiterating that we, the opposition, are alone in our opposition to the Taliban and that they only speak in terms of guns. It is unacceptable for the Taliban to be doing any of these atrocities and oppressive activities against Afghan residents. Individuals, both male and female, live in extremely sad and challenging circumstances, as is evident to all. In case the world is not supporting the Afghan people, particularly the women, then the voices of women may not be heard as loudly as they would like.
The fact that the international community ignores them adds insult to injury as they are deprived of the opportunity to express their opinions. Those of all ages, men and women alike, will undoubtedly support the people if the world does will rise to defend themselves and overthrow this cruel Taliban government on the streets, in the mountains, and everywhere else. It only needs sincere assistance. The fact that our people have died, spilled blood, and become martyrs hurts me. The international community says very little about these murders, even if the sound of their sacrifice reverberates from the mountains. It’s unfair.
The fact that women are the main heroines in modern Afghanistan is also crucial. They persevere despite having to endure the worst conditions possible throughout the two years of Taliban control, including torture, oppression, and risking their lives to defend their rights.
They have been deprived of all rights, imprisoned, raped, forced into marriages, evicted from their homes, and killed. Yet, their spirit remains unbroken, and their resistance continues, bolstering their resolve to stand and defend their homeland. To our sisters, I say, “We stand with you.” The international community should at the very least not remain silent about the blatant human rights violations perpetrated by the Taliban. Afghanistan isn’t just a prison for women; it’s a hell for all its citizens, but a haven for terrorists. The international community must turn its attention to this country. Terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda, ISIS, and others operate with impunity in Afghanistan. There are no boundaries for these terrorists, and the gravity of this issue must not be overlooked. It demands serious international consideration and action.
- You always emphasize nationalism, which contrasts with the Taliban’s plan. They have been accused of violence and war crimes, including torturing people for speaking their native languages like Farsi, and targeting former military forces. Given these circumstances, who should pay for the price of nationalism? And what does nationalism mean for you?
Nationalism embodies humanity! The only path to success and liberty is through embracing our shared humanity. This fosters cohesion and unity, which are essential for success.
It’s widely recognized that Afghanistan is a multi-ethnic country. It’s implausible for one ethnic group to achieve success in isolation. The current problems in Afghanistan stem from the marginalization of certain ethnicities. Both the international community and the Afghan populace desire a diverse and inclusive government. Such a government was proposed by the negotiation team in Doha, but the Taliban have since rejected it. However, their reign of oppression will inevitably end.
Some critics assert that for the people of Afghanistan to speak in Persian/Dari or Uzbeki is seen as almost criminal. We’ve heard and seen the repercussions: people being tortured, university signages being replaced. Yet, they can’t diminish the beauty and significance of these languages. The Afghan poetess, Qahaar Assi, beautifully expressed: “There may be no flowers, no moon, but our heart is Parsi!” This encapsulates the essence of Persian literature, which emphasizes our shared humanity. The renowned Persian poet, Saadi Shirazi, wrote:
Human beings are members of a whole In the creation of one essence and soul If one member is afflicted with pain Other members will remain.
This poem underscores the interconnectedness of all people. The essence of being human and embracing all is paramount. The pain of our people is felt deeply; it’s embedded in our very flesh and blood. We stand united with them. In stark contrast, the Taliban resort to intimidation, brutality, and murder. Such divisiveness and violence are the root causes of our collective suffering.
If you admire the culture and civilization represented by the Persian language, extend the same affection to Pashto. The same applies to ethnicities: cherish the Uzbek, Tajik, Hazara, Pashtun, and Turkmen communities just as any other tribe in Afghanistan. Embrace humanity by loving Christians as deeply as you love Muslims and by cherishing all who believe in the universal values of love and humanity. After all, Prophet Mohammed declared Islam as a religion of love, peace, and an advocate for human values. As his followers, we must uphold these values.
What would set us apart from the Taliban, if we were to behave in the same manner? We are well aware that civilians are always the ones who suffer when there is a war. Heinous crimes have been committed by the Taliban by seizing prisoners of war, torturing former military men, and executing them. They declared a general amnesty, but given that they are still killing people even civilians their sincerity is in doubt. Such actions are beyond the norms of fundamental humanity and are abhorred by all religions.
Here are some points to consider:
It’s important to acknowledge and condemn human rights abuses and violations of women’s rights when they occur. Many nations and international organizations have strongly criticized the Taliban for their actions in these areas. Engaging with such groups should involve a clear commitment to improving these situations.
Diplomacy is often considered the preferred approach to resolving conflicts. Engaging in dialogue can be a way to influence and pressure a group to respect international norms and values, including human rights. But we see and know that the Taliban does not respect any of those values. This can be a difficult and ethically challenging decision for the moment to engage with a group like the Taliban.
Engaging in dialogue with groups like the Taliban can be more effective if there are clear conditions and preconditions in place. These may include demands for improved human rights, women’s rights, and commitments to a peaceful resolution of conflicts. Also, very important to contact civil society organizations, NGOs, and grassroots movements like politics and the military, which can also play a vital role in promoting dialogue, peace, and human rights.
Ultimately, whether to engage in dialogue with groups like the Taliban is a matter of judgment, based on the specifics of the situation, the prospects for positive change, and the potential risks. It’s a decision that involves a careful balance between diplomatic, ethical, and pragmatic considerations, and it may vary from one situation to another. The international community often faces difficult choices when dealing with such groups, and these decisions can be the subject of ongoing debate and disagreement.
In 1996, when the Taliban took over a large part of Afghanistan, one name resonated globally. Also known as the “Lion of Panjshir “, he and his Northern Allies, forming the United Front, continued their resistance against the Taliban.
Following the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan in 2021, a political and military alliance known as the National Resistance Front (NRF), often referred to as the Panjshir Resistance, was formed. Its main center of operations is the Panjshir Valley, and its leaders include Ahmad Massoud, the renowned resistance commander Ahmad Shah Massoud’s son. The goal of the NRF is to defend democracy and all of its rights while opposing the Taliban’s tyranny.
In 2001, just two days before the bombings on September 11th, 2001, in the Afghan district of Khajwa Bahawuddin, Ahmad Shah Massoud was killed by two Belgian suicide bombers who were acting as journalists.
