This special section of “Voices from Afghanistan” wants to give those people a say whose voices usually go unheard in the debates about the reconstruction and democratisation process in Afghanistan.
Fruit seller, Nawabad-e Dehmazang, 3rd district, Kabul
“Foreigners have stopped the war in Afghanistan. They have managed to bring security and disarm the militias. As they are saying, they are here for humanitarian assistance and if that is the only reason it will be good.
Like the others the Germans are here to help the Afghans. They are building roads, clinics and other infrastructures. I recognize them by their flag.”
Metal workshop owner: Mohammad Hassan, Nawabad-e Dehmazang, 3rd district, Kabul
“We are responsible for the fact that foreigners had to come here to help us rebuild our country. We brought it on ourselves. Unity was missing among us. Now, poor people are happy with them being here serving us and not letting these warlords fight again. But rich people are not happy and they want to see them off as they want everything for themselves.
I personally believe that if they were not here, very soon we would be back to the bad old days. One party would fight another and the war would start all over again.
Germany’s involvement in Afghanistan is not new. They have helped us ever since we got our independence from Britain. They built “Darul-Aman” (the palace), they built the Pul-e Artal bridge, and right now the hydropower dams are being built by the Germans. They have always honestly helped us. I recognize them by their cars on which they have written “Alman” (Dari for German).”
General store keeper: Jaan Mohammad, Pol-e Artal, 2nd district, Kabul
“I am in favour of the International Community to be here until we need them and until there is stability. Then they can go. The same goes to German troops. They are helping us and I think they should be here until we really are on our feet.
I easily recognize German troops from their uniform and flag.”
Cigarette seller: Ahmad Farid, Asmayee Watt. 1st district, Kabul
“I think we need foreigners here to help us and rescue us from our neighbours’ invasion plans. Pakistan and Iran will not stop interfering and will always support whoever aids their cause.
I like the Germans because they are not involved with the killing of civilians. I recognize them by their uniforms.”
General store keeper: Abdul Qudus, Asmayee Watt, 1st district, Kabul
“I don’t like to see foreigners deciding for us what we need. But I think, right now, when I see the state our government and parliament are in, I don’t see that there is any other choice.
I always hope that the U.S troops will follow the German way and that Germany will send more troops to serve us.”