Afghan Commentary Post

As Pakistan Military Power Ebbs, World Benefits Summary: Pakistan’s military, which has dominated the country for much of its history, is losing its grip on the government. If democracy is ever to flourish in Pakistan, the Army must stay in their barracks. By Wahab Raofi Social change doesn’t happen without a cause. It can be triggered by unaddressed grievances, social injustice, a pandemic, natural disasters or other crises.The pain of such causes can result in positive and productive change, and Pakistan could be on the brink of such a transition right now. Since its foundation in 1947, Pakistan has spent much of its existence under military rule, as the Army continually violates its constitutional mandate. Even when out of power, the military has exerted behind-the-scenes influence to maintain its firm grip on the political system and national security.But this beginning to change. In the past month, anew alliance of 11 political parties called the Pakistan Democratic Movement held...

A Solution to Afghanistan’s Crippled System Summary: If Afghanistan is ever to achieve long-lasting peace, it must decentralize its government. By Wahab Raofi After a decade of bloody conflict, delegations from Afghanistan’s government and the Taliban convened in Doha,Qatar,to negotiate a peace agreement. Initiated early in September, the eventwas touted by some as “unprecedented” in the country’s recent history and hailed an historic moment for Afghans. However, those familiar with Afghan history know thatthis is not the first, nor will it be the lastsuch attempt at peace. Afghans have repeatedly held such talks to re-establish governments or shattered systems. The agonyis that every time they do so, they do it on a foundationof the debris of that which has already collapsed. The Doha meeting is no different from previous such gatherings. For example, after the Taliban regime was overthrown by the United States in 2001, delegations from Afghan political factionsmet in Bonn, Germany,...