Karzai: Afghans Must End Four Decades of War and Suffering

DID Press: Former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai has called on Afghans to leave behind four decades of war and suffering, saying the time has come for reconciliation, coexistence and rebuilding the country.

In an interview with Italy’s Corriere della Sera, Karzai said his vision for Afghanistan’s future goes beyond the political frameworks of a “republic” or the Taliban’s “emirate.” He said his goal is to create conditions for peaceful coexistence and to work for the country’s common good.

Referring to his personal experience, Karzai said that even in 2010, when his brother was killed by the Taliban, he continued to refer to the group as “brothers.”He said Afghans should move beyond four decades of war and foreign intervention, which began with the Soviet invasion, and choose a new path toward peace and reconstruction.

Karzai said the Taliban are also part of Afghanistan and that both their supporters and opponents are fellow citizens. He said all sides would sooner or later have to live together in peace, adding that mutual understanding and respect could help move Afghanistan forward.

His comments come as Afghanistan continues to face political, security and economic challenges, while efforts to establish national dialogue and an inclusive reconciliation process remain a major challenge for the country’s future.