Afghans in Ireland are optimistic that their war-torn country will overcome its current security and political challenges posed by the Taliban and the planned withdrawal of western troops.President Hamid Karzai, who was elected in 2001 following the end of Taliban rule, is due to leave office in 2014 after presiding over a period of great instability in the landlocked central Asian country.
And although 16 of the 27 candidates who submitted their nominations by the 6 October deadline have been disqualified, according to Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission, the 11 names still on the list pave the way for presidential elections to go ahead on 5 April next year.
Speaking after the Afghan community’s Eid celebration in Dublin recently, the chairperson of the Afghan Community & Cultural Association of Ireland told Metro Éireann that his compatriots are upbeat about the future, despite fears over the departure of US and Nato soldiers – and warnings to election candidates not to accept ‘gifts’ such as mobile phones or computers which could contain hidden bombs.
Nasruddin Saljuqi said the recent security contract between the Afghan and US authorities – approved by the Loya Gergah, a national council comprising over 3,000 Afghan tribal elders – means that “US forces should remain in Afghan to provide some security against the Taliban and terrorists. [The Loya Gergah] is meeting again to discuss including the borders in the security contract.”
Saljuqi added that most of the 1,000 Afghans in Ireland today see this as a positive development. He also said the majority of Afghans in the diaspora have been requesting the right to vote, but so far that has not happened.
He urged those with right to vote in next April’s elections to ensure they cast their votes for educated, de-tribalised candidates who are running as independents.
People in Afghanistan are increasingly “politically aware of the need to elect credible leaders,” said Saljuqi, noting that even political arch rivals are collaborating to ensure that the elections are free and fair “despite the challenges” – not least of which is intimidation by the Taliban in more remote rural areas.
Speaking of the Afghan community in Ireland, Saljuqi said the diaspora is now well integrated, with many employed or running their own businesses.
More than 75 people from various nationalities attended the Eid celebration in the capital.
