For Afghans, the Struggle Continues
“With the 10th anniversary of 9/11 approaching and with Osama bin Laden killed, a lot of pundits and probably some people in the U.S. feel that, though very tragic, 9/11 is history now. But for Afghans, the ideas and followers that Bin Laden and Al Qaeda nurtured are still a daily fact of life. Afghans, including women and children, are still being brutalized by those elements who masterminded and supported the 9/11 attacks,” says Asia Society Associate Fellow Ahmad Nader Nadery, who is based in Kabul.
“Afghans from different walks of live, rural and urban, feel that the blood we and the U.S. shed together in defeating the Taliban and its Al Qaeda allies in Afghanistan has bound our two nations and created a shared history over the last 10 years – sacrifices for a common cause. These ties could be strengthened further through a long-term strategic partnership. And, this could be one of the means for building further confidence in Afghans: That in their fight to establish a democratic, stable and terrorist-free country, and against their foes both at home and inside Iran and Pakistan who every day cook up new terrorist attacks against us, we will not be left alone once again.”
Nader is a commissioner at the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission. To arrange an interview, contact the Asia Society communications department at 212-327-9271 or [email protected]