progress because of internal weaknesses or foreign
interference. We cannot stop our journey. We have to stay on the path we have
chosen. But there are a lot of hindrances. And we will continue to confront
obstacles on this journey.
We have to continue to reach our destiny. Our destiny is to try and take
Afghanistan to a point where it stands equal to other countries that are
self-sufficient and live with dignity and honor. We will not leave this path.
And I have no doubt that we will complete this journey. We will suffer and
endure casualties and pain. But we must endure all of this and continue moving.
RFE/RL: You have pointed toward foreign interference, and most of
it is usually attributed to Pakistan and the Inter-Services
Intelligence (ISI). People hope that with the change of the government in
Pakistan, the situation in Afghanistan and the region will improve. But now, we
are seeing that the situation in Afghanistan has deteriorated and similar
conditions are prevailing across the border inside Pakistan. So what is the
problem now?
HK: We have very good friendly relations with the new,
democratically elected government in Pakistan. We always had very good,
friendly relations with the Pakistani people. The Afghan nation will never
forget the good things that the Pakistanis did for us during the long years of
jihad [against the Soviet occupation] and when we were refugees in Pakistan. So
we will always be grateful for their help and hospitality.
But in the meantime, there are people inside Pakistan - in Pakistan's
intelligence services and its military - who for whatever reason do not want a
stable and prosperous Afghanistan that has good, friendly relations with its
neighbors. I hope that the current administration in Pakistan - its respected
prime minister - are able to control these elements so that both countries can
be at peace.
RFE/RL: Mr President, as you described the interference by
Pakistani intelligence and military - some analysts say that they are doing it
in order to make Afghanistan accept the Durand Line as an international border
between the two countries. What is your opinion about this?
HK: This is an old issue. And Pakistan has been trying to do this
during the past 60 years. When we began our jihad [against the Soviets in the
early 1980s], Pakistan tried to weaken Afghanistan. They promoted elements
[within the Afghan anti-Soviet resistance] that would work toward weakening
Afghanistan. Unfortunately, some Afghan elements - undoubtedly some Taliban
leaders among them - were trained in a way that they will help in achieving
this Pakistani objective.
Governments can never resolve the Durand Line issue because it is an issue
between two peoples. [The demarcation of this line] was an historical
injustice, as it divided Afghanistan. Those Afghans who remain on the other
side of the Durand Line never recognized this line [as a border]. And
similarly, people on this side of the line also didn't recognize it. During the
past 110 years - or even longer than that - the Afghan nation never recognized
this line. So no government will be able to recognize it as a border on its
own. So only the peoples on both sides of the line can decide whether to accept
or reject it.
Therefore, the efforts of the Pakistani military and intelligence services to
strong-arm Afghanistan into accepting this line [as an international border] by
indulging in conspiracies will never be possible. First, no government will
ever agree to doing so without the consent of the nation. Second, if any Afghan
government or president does it on his own, then he has to face the wrath of
the nation. So this is a futile attempt. The better way is that we should have
friendship and promote fraternity. It will be better to become good neighbors.
Afghanistan would never wish to see Pakistan weakened. We want friendship and
fraternity between Pakistan and Afghanistan. But Afghanistan would never accept
being weakened as a result of [Pakistan's backing of] the Taliban and other
similar elements. We want friendship and fraternity. And people on both sides
of the line can help us in reaching an amicable solution. Conspiracy, bombings,
suicide attacks by the Taliban, and the sabotage of Afghan economic and
political life can never impose a solution upon us. This will only further
aggravate the situation.
RFE/RL: Security, survival, and self-help are important for any
government. Pakistan might be able to promote instability in Afghanistan by
undermining these pillars. But what must the Afghan government do to improve
security, survival and self-help?
HK: The Afghan government has been trying to strengthen its
institutions - and to develop its economy, to promote patriotism. No country
needs patriotism more than Afghanistan does because nobody in the world has
endured as much suffering as Afghanistan. Over the past the 30 years,
Afghanistan has been on the receiving end of [machinations] by regional powers.
It was destroyed. Its schools were bombed and its children were being killed.
And it was humiliating.
But luckily, Afghanistan has a people that have collectively confronted foreign
interference and has prevented this land from being wiped out altogether. Now
this land needs development. And it is only possible through patriotism and by
engaging in effective measures. So the secret of our development lies in
creating and strengthening our national institutions and rebuilding our
economy. And by also engaging in human development - by promoting education and
health care, and the welfare of our future generations. That's why schools in
Afghanistan - our teachers and clerics - are being targeted. The most important
asset of any nation is its educated citizens. So that is why it is very
important for us to educate our children - so we can stand on our own feet and
nobody is able to undermine Afghanistan.
RFE/RL: Mr President, you might be aware of the problems between
one of our big neighbors - Iran - and the West, particularly the United States
of America. Recently, the US and Israel, in particular, have threatened to
attack Iran because of its nuclear program. So what steps have you taken to
prevent the negative fallout upon Afghanistan of such issues.
HK: Yes. We are always aware of these dangers. Since the early
days of the transitional government [established in December 2001], Afghanistan
has been lucky to be able to balance its relations with various competing
powers. We have always deliberated with the American and Iranian governments.
In some instances we have even been intermediaries between the two. We thank
Iran for its understanding, and assistance to Afghanistan.
Similarly we are very grateful for the US approach toward Afghanistan as it is
our major ally and principal donor. We are also thankful that they have been
accommodating, and have encouraged our bilateral relations with Iran as it is
one of our most important neighbors.
I hope that the same level of understanding continues to prevail in both
countries and Afghanistan never turns into a battleground for competing
interests of any states. Afghanistan would never like that its soil be used
against another country. And Afghanistan would like to remain Iran's good
friend as a neighbor as we share a common language and religion. Similarly,
Afghanistan wholeheartedly wants to remain a friend, ally and partner of
America because this is in Afghanistan's best interest.
Copyright (c) 2008, RFE/RL Inc. Reprinted with the permission of
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