The Decline of Political Alliances in Afghanistan: A History of Betrayal and Instability

Kokcha News Agency: After the ousting of Zahir Shah in Afghanistan, a new form of coalition-building emerged as a means to achieve political power. However, from the very beginning, these alliances were plagued by multi-factionalism and betrayal, failing to safeguard national interests and instead plunging the country into prolonged wars and unrest.

Political alliances are typically formed to unite powerful figures, resist opposing groups, and preserve national interests while striving for unity. However, in Afghanistan, this phenomenon has been destructive and degenerative since its inception. Members of these coalitions often pursue personal agendas or align themselves with foreign powers or specific factions, leading to internal conflicts and external invasions, all of which are the consequences of these unstable alliances.

The formation and sudden collapse of coalitions in Afghanistan have been a recurring theme, with the reasons for their failure remaining largely consistent. Mistrust, personality-centric politics, detachment from reality, and the pursuit of personal benefits have consistently undermined even the strongest agreements. Each time, the shame of dissolving unfaithful partnerships has fallen on the coalition members themselves.

During the fallen republic era, whenever elections were held, the winning president would endure daily insults and accusations of betrayal, incompetence, and deceit. However, once power and privileges were distributed, the coalition members would shift their tone, often going as far as to “polish the president’s shoes” rather than holding him accountable.

One of the recent examples of such coalitions is the “National Assembly for the Salvation of Afghanistan,” a new name in the series of alliances formed by some political figures opposed to the caretaker government abroad. Last year, this coalition declared its existence through a virtual meeting attended by many figures from the collapsed republic.

During this virtual meeting, all participants made strong commitments to resist the caretaker government. However, since no tangible benefits were gained and the participants lacked public support due to their past betrayals, their claims of resistance seemed doomed from the start.

Adding to their humiliation, the imaginary fronts of resistance and freedom, as well as Salahuddin Rabbani, have all denied any involvement in this coalition. They have rejected any participation in its decisions, further undermining its credibility.

If we conclude that no alliance in Afghanistan based on personality-centric politics, mistrust, and detachment from reality has ever succeeded, it is clear that those who betray are often betrayed in return. The imaginary fronts and Rabbani should take note of the National Assembly for Salvation, as their turn may come next.