Part 4
Author: Aslam Khorasani
Why Is Afghanistan Not a Suitable Ground for ISIS?
Afghanistan’s soil has historically played a critical role in regional and global developments. Consequently, various military and political movements and phenomena have sought to dominate it, always keeping this ambition in mind. What strengthens the strategic importance of this land, however, are the religious principles and foundations that govern it, and the devout people who inhabit this territory and its political structure.
ISIS entered Afghanistan without understanding the soil it sought to corrupt. They failed to grasp the religious sincerity and historical resilience of this nation. Instead of learning, they wrapped their brutality in false religious claims and tried to mislead a people for whom Islam is not a tool, but a lived reality. Their deception was, from the beginning, destined to fail.
The Afghan People’s Unique Traits Regarding Changing Circumstances
Despite the hardships and deprivation in this land, and although the people of this country suffer from relative poverty, these circumstances have never made them so incapable or dishonorable that they would sell their souls, their homeland, or their religious beliefs.
In reality, one of the most distinct traits of these people is their strong bond with religion and religious values, which has helped and supported them in many situations and has become the key to their unity and cohesion.
There may be disagreements among the Afghan people on various issues, sometimes even reaching dangerous levels, but such disagreements have never led them to rise against one another in opposition to their religious unity. On the contrary, in many conflicts, the symbol of religious unity has been the very factor that helped them overcome divisions.
ISIS, whose primary goal has been to sow discord and division among Muslim communities, will never succeed in achieving this objective in Afghanistan. The bond of Islam and religiosity that connects the Afghan people—a bond formed through religious knowledge and heritage—is far too strong to be severed.
Another distinguishing feature of the Afghan people, one that their enemies have never been able to break, is their sense of courage and support for the oppressed. History is replete with clear testimonies of their bravery, valor, and youthful vigor.
Throughout history and into the present day, the people of this land have been known as heroes—brave individuals who attribute their strength and success to their devotion to religion. Amir Shakib Arslan once remarked about the Afghan people: “If there were no Islam in the world, I am confident that hearts would still beat for Islam among the mountains of Hindu Kush.” The global perception of these people remains the same as in the past—a view that no factor has ever been able to change.
Another trait that has consistently safeguarded Afghanistan from internal corruption, division, and foreign infiltration is the people’s deep sense of brotherhood and patriotism. ISIS—a group created to spread fear and division—has failed to realize its objectives and, sooner or later, will come to recognize the grave error it made in choosing Afghanistan as its battleground.
