State failure

Aghanistan is a failed state, its been more clear now than ever. State is more of a jargon. If we just look at the biology of events that unfolded, its like when Scar wanted to run the Pride lands. He had been scheming and fighting for all his life to rule one day. But the Pride land itself had animals who were clamoring for resources. Their operations and Scar’s operations were similar in that they just wanted to have more.

The Taliban reminded us that we are still in the Hobbsian world. Its inexplicable how things got this way. But again its not. Afghanistan, having been a neighbor in South Asia, was distant until it was added to SAARC nations.

All these nations reek of state-sponsored corruption, weak institutions and foreign-aid dependency . It would not be surprising if fundamentalists take their hold all over the region. And that’s where my fear lies. If such forces attack our countries, who will fight back? People are busy finding their place in this neoliberal potpourri of market, state and society. None of them have seen a well-functioning democracy.

When I heard of Aghanistan, I wanted to run away. Where to though? Because I hail from a failing state, it is going to be hard to find acceptance and belonging in other places. But what happens if I stay? How long will we it take for our institutions to strengthen and people to voice their rights? How long will it take for them to get the sense that rather than racing in the neoliberal marketplace, our success lies in unity and looking out for each other?