I just came across this article about democracy in Afghanistan. According to AfghanNews, many people are skeptical that it has done them any good. Apparently millions of people were non-voters at the last presidential election, which is drastically different from the impressive turnout in 2004 (the day they elected President Hamid Karzai). Both distrust of democracy and bullying from the Taliban contributed to the lack of voters, according to this source, but could there be another reason?
Afghan culture is vastly different from American culture. Do you guys think that democracy will ever work in Afghanistan? Should they keep trying, or find a different system then meshes better with their country?
I would like to hear your thoughts.
-AbbyF
P.S. Here is the link to the article: http://www.afghannews.net/index.php?action=show&type=news&id=3570
There is also another article and an interesting photo on this page:
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2009afghan/2009-08/21/content_8606856.htm
I think that God has created everyone with an inherent desire for freedom. America was founded by people from many different cultures and backgrounds who had that God-given desire and worked to balance freedom and responsibility.
ReplyDeleteWhen the people of Iraq were finally allowed to vote, it was with pride and joy. Iran is in an uproar because the people feel that their freedoms are being undermined. Perhaps Karzai's government did not deliver on its promises. When King John trampled on the freedoms of the English people, it was the citizens who forced King John to sign the Magna Carta, granting them such freedoms as "trial by jury." Democracy means that the people have the power to make a difference.
As Edmund Burke said, "All that is required for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing." The freedoms and democracy that Americans enjoy today was founded on the blood, sweat and tears of history's greatest men. By God's grace, I believe that this can be the legacy of Afganistan as well, if the people step up to the task.