We spoke to Mr. Ajmal Shams about the recent developments in Afghan politics, and future perspectives. Mr. Ajmal Shams, is president of the Afghanistan Social Democratic Party. He was a deputy minister in the Afghan national unity government.
World Geostrategic Insights (WGI) – The steering committee of the Afghan High Council for National Reconciliation held its first meeting. In addition, Kabul and the Taliban unlocked the negotiations and agreed about two weeks ago on a mechanism for intra-Afghan dialogue. What do you think of the recent developments in Afghan politics? Has a new phase really opened?
Ajmal Shams: First of All, I would like to thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts on the ongoing situation in Afghanistan and the way forward for the future. I think these are all positive developments and should be welcomed. However, real progress in the peace process depends on strong political will and commitment from both sides (Afghan government and the Taliban). Restoration of peace is the long-standing demand of all Afghans. Afghanistan has been in war and conflict for the past four decades and the opportunity for peace must be seized. People of Afghanistan really deserve peaceful and prosperous life.
WGI – The Taliban may wish to turn the current Afghan state into a theocracy. Even if they will have to compromise, it is likely that the current Afghan constitution will not survive and a new state governance structure will be put in place. Will it be possible to preserve democracy in the new Constitution, even if limited by a theocratic layer?
Ajmal Shams: Achieving peace in Afghanistan is not easy after so many years of conflict. There are definitely challenges that need to be addressed. However, without peace the full potential of development and democracy cannot be achieved. Insecurity and conflict have paved the way for lawlessness, corruption and week institutions that hamper efficient development and growth. Since 2002, Afghanistan has achieved a lot in terms of democracy, human rights and development and these gains must be preserved.
If Afghan constitution is to be amended for the sake of peace and for ending war, there should be flexibility on this. Afghanistan is already an Islamic Republic. If there is genuine will on both sides to bring peace, issues related to democracy can be resolved.
WGI – What is your opinion on the results of the Trump administration’s policy in Afghanistan? Could Biden make some changes? In general terms, how do you think US policy towards Afghanistan should develop in the future, taking into account not only American strategic interests, but also the need to ensure political and economic stability in Afghanistan?
Ajmal Shams: I think President Trump deserves credit for his courageous step by breaking the deadlock on Afghanistan peace process. I do not think Mr. Biden will bring any major policy change toward Afghanistan as he has already indicated in his presidential campaign. It is also important to note that during the recent Geneva conference, the international community expressed its strong commitment to Afghanistan’s peace and prosperity. The US and its allies have promised to continue to support Afghanistan, but it conditional upon the country’s progress in peace, inclusive development and improvement of governance.
WGI – In the past decades, Afghanistan has been a playground for superpowers and foreign forces, experiencing turmoil, violence and suffering. How could the future return to the hands of the Afghans? Can we imagine a peaceful and stable Afghanistan?
Ajmal Shams: We have to recognize that the international community contributed significantly to Afghanistan’s development and stability. The US alone spent about $150 billion on Afghanistan’s reconstruction and institution building. The impact could have been far more significant if we had better governance. High level of corruption and vested political interests did not allow the full potential of the international assistance to be achieved.
Since 2002, the international community has played its part to help stabilize Afghanistan. In order for Afghan ownership, it is important to put national interests ahead of personal and political interests. This depends to a large extent on the political will of Afghan leaders and society in large. I am personally optimistic about the future of Afghanistan. There are risks, which are manageable.
WGI – What are the main political objectives of the Afghan Social Democratic Party?
Ajmal Shams: Afghanistan Social Democratic Party was founded in 1966 by Engineer Ghulam Mohammad Farhad, who served as member of Parliament from Kabul and also as Kabul Mayor. The party was established to struggle for an independent, sovereign, democratic and prosperous Afghanistan based on the principles of peaceful co-existence within the region and the world. It strongly believes in the national Islamic character of Afghanistan.
The party is against all kinds of authoritarian regimes and stands for democracy and pluralism. It also believes that Afghanistan’s economic growth and balanced development can be better achieved through the principles of social democracy, where public and private sector work in harmony ensuring social justice and individual liberties. We are against all kinds of oppression within society and advocate women empowerment in state and society.
Mr. Ajmal Shams, President of the Afghanistan Social Democratic Party.
Image Credit: AFP / WAKIL KOHSAR