Afghan Rebels Make Peace

(Gardez, Afghanistan) Here's some good news if you are interested in seeing Afghanistan become united on the path toward freedom and democracy. Sadly, the elite media seems to be ignoring the story.

From the Army News Service:

Eighteen of Gulbiddin Hekmatyar’s Hezb-e Islami commanders turned themselves over to government officials in the Paktia Province June 12.

Under the terms of the Afghan government’s reconciliation program, Pakhm-e Sohl, the former commanders returned home after years of living in Pakistan.

Upon meeting with Governor Abdel Hakim Taniwal, Provincial Reconstruction Team or PRT Soldiers, and government representatives, who explained the provisions of the program to them, the commanders pledged their loyalty to the Karzai government by signing statements.

The loyalty statement to the Afghan government includes an agreement not to possess heavy weapons or take up arms against the Afghan government or Coalition forces. The commanders received new reconciliation identification cards and were embraced by Taniwal who welcomed them back to Afghan society.

For background, Gulbiddin Hekmatyar founded the Hezbi Islami in the 1970s largely consisting of Pashtun tribesmen from eastern Afghanistan. Since that time, Hezbi Islami has been a major player in the many armed conflicts in Afghanistan, fighting the Russians, the Mujaheedin, and the current government. Back in the 1990s, Hekmatyar's forces turned Kabul into a ghost city through a devastating series of rocket volleys. An estimated 2,000 people were killed while 500,000 fled.

So, by any measure, the Hezbi Islami is a major military element in the country. However, it has also been a prime political and ethnic leader for the large Pashtun segment of the Afghan population (42 percent). Consequently, by laying down arms and ending hostilities, Hekmatyar's commanders have given heightened authenticity and authority to the democratic Afghan government.

In my opinion, the fact that Gulbiddin Hekmatyar’s Hezbi Islami has chosen to become part of the new Afghanistan should be heralded by the international media as a major step toward pulling the country into the 21st Century. It should also be heralded as a win in the battle against backwardness, and a victory for freedom and democracy. So far, the elite media hasn't mentioned it. Maybe I'm making too big a deal about it.

Tipped by Captain's Quarters.