A Dawn of Hope and Aspirations

Cold War is known as a war thought and fought more in minds than on fields. Fortunately, Super Powers did not exchange blows directly. But the struggle between the two blocks led many unresolved complications.

Few of them are still persisting in the world. The problem of Afghanistan which was started during cold war with the Soviet intrusion into the land locked territory is still burning and the temperature due to it could be felt in the round about areas. If the spices became the cause of colonial rule in the Indian subcontinent and petroleum for the struggle in the Middle-East, the strategic location of Afghanistan became the main cause of plight of the country. Afghanistan bridges Central Asia to South Asia.

The special geo-political status of Afghanistan has increased its significance not only for the regional power balance but also has made it attractive enough for the world leaders. 9/11 was another turning point in the history of Afghanistan as it paved the way for the United States to uproot the Taliban from Kabul. The 2004 elections introduced the new chapter bringing Hamid Karzai into the power as a Captain of a broken ship.

The recently held elections in Afghanistan are expected to bring a fresh dawn of hope and aspirations to the people of Afghanistan. The country has been suffering for the last thirty years and spells of violence have damaged the entire social, political and economic system. During cold war, Afghanistan became a ball rolling between the two super powers. The Soviet intrusion into the country gave birth an era of instability. When Soviet troops evacuated Afghanistan, a vacuum had been created. This resulted into severe clashes internally and distanced the peace far and away. The land locked country has been the centre of attraction for the other countries for strategic gains.

The people are keen to see their country making progress. They are now fed up of decades old violence. This election which were held under the shadow of fear and suspicion, are expected to be the milestone in the history of Afghanistan.

The Talibans had threatened the voters numbering approximately one crore not to turn to poling booths. There is no doubt that this was too complicated to conduct the elections in the proper way as is done in other countries. But in spite of all hurdles, the elections process kept on running. One of the important aspects of these elections is that even few women were contesting elections.

This is the same country where women were kept hostage and were not allowed to enjoy freedom.

For the entire South Asian region, Afghanistan is very important. The peaceful, prosperous and stable Afghanistan is in the interest of whole region. Unfortunately, this fact has been misrepresented. Pakistan has tried to use Afghanistan against India. The anti- Indian elements have been promoted by Pakistan in Afghanistan.

But irony is that Pakistan blames India for the same. According to a military official of Pakistan, India has established many consulates in Afghanistan to support the insurgency in Balochistan. Pakistan has been blaming India for disturbance in its North West Frontier Province.

But the reality is totally different. India has been playing a big and constructive role in Afghanistan. India�s agencies are active in making roads and other significant installations in the country. Millions of Dollars have been invested by India in Afghanistan to reconstruct the war ravaged nation. India is also keen to see Afghanistan politically stable.

Hamid Karzai knew the importance of India. As a result he tried to maintain good relations between the two countries. Because of his efforts both the countries have come closure on various matters including reconstruction and development of Afghanistan.

India is building roads, schools and many other installations in Afghanistan. The infrastructure of Afghanistan has been damaged badly in the last three decades.
India and Afghanistan have been in good relations since ancient times. India has been the favorite destination for afghani traders.

Indian films in spite of being banned have been popular in Afghanistan. The huge idol of Gautam Buddha at Bamiyan was destroyed by the extremists in 2001. This great idol was the symbol of honeymoon period of Indo- Afghan relationship.This gory destruction had been criticized by the whole world.

The elections though held under the shadow of fear and suspicion indicates a right step towards bright future of Afghanis who have lost their all and got nothing except pains. Though there have been doubts on the entire election process. But half a loaf is better than no bread. India has a big opportunity in Afghanistan in helping to let it stand on its own feet.

Santosh Kumar

(The writer is a Lecturer in Journalism with Amity School of Communication, Amity University, Lucknow)