Our Foundation is still Suspect, Vulnerable
By Shiva
@Shiva49 (26684)
Singapore
August 26, 2021 9:48am CST
Human mind is fickle and easily manipulated. We are never away from the tipping point that takes us down inexorably to our doom even. The reality in Afghanistan is a case in point with countries desperately trying to save their citizens from the clutches of those who do not play ball. They resonate with “Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun”, a phrase coined by Chinese communist leader Mao Zedong. History repeats!
Even in advanced countries, one leader can sway the masses, then what about in those where freedom and democracy are alien. Increasingly, others can only watch despite knowing the injustices are too harsh to stomach. Those with good intentions are forced to stay on the sidelines as the most vulnerable in Afghanistan throw up their arms in despair. A harrowing video of Afghan mothers passing on their babies to foreign troops over barbed wire at Kabul airport has gone viral. The video lays bare the desperation of Afghan people to flee the Taliban rule. That such is happening is just news despite us wanting to intervene and do something
Yes, we are looking the other way and those, like the UN, seem impotent in this hour of need. That shows we have hardly progressed despite striking scientific advancement over the years. There is dichotomy between technological progress and our primal instincts of feeling helpless and it is more about lack of cohesion and cooperation.
I feel part of me is dying, numb, when I see the utmost cruelty perpetrated on the most innocent with babies in mothers’ arms not knowing what the fuss is about except feeling that that something horrible is happening. They are indeed let down by us all in various degrees.
How do you feel about this happening right in front of us right now?
Image: Afghanistan from Dreamstime.com
12 people like this
9 responses
@Vikingswest1 (6304)
• United States
26 Aug 21
The most obvious question is why the people of Afghanistan didn't help the US over the past 20 years.
If they would have offered help to uncover and eliminate Taliban strongholds, they wouldn't be in the danger they are now.
I feel bad that their country is lost to terrorists but those people did little to help defend their country.
I may sound harsh but it's a little late to ask for help.
I almost expect the US to move the deadline and reinvade.
Will those people turn in Taliban and identify strongholds this time or will they do nothing? Again.
It's hard to help people that won't help themselves.
I would imagine that horrible atrocities are being carried out as we speak.
Maybe Afghanistan should fight back this time.
4 people like this
@Shiva49 (26684)
• Singapore
26 Aug 21
It looks like most common folks cannot do much and the Taliban have backing from the outside.
Afghanistan never had a grounding in democracy and freedom and leaders were not really elected by the people who were mute spectators to the happenings.
I agree they should do more but, maybe, their culture of fifty percent, women, being suppressed does not help the cause. What a way to live in this world!
Looking at the situation, we should cherish and safeguard the freedom we all enjoy lest a few getting emboldened impose their will. Things can turn hostile before we realize the danger with a few playing along! Our foundation is never firm anywhere and can crumble before we know it.
3 people like this
@Vikingswest1 (6304)
• United States
26 Aug 21
@Shiva49
It doesn't help that the Afghan military was secretly supporting the Taliban and disbanded seconds after the US withdrew.
I agree about shaky foundations around the world, we are ripe for the picking.
So many people just follow along and accept what they are told.
I believe that America is inching toward a second Civil War.
People either need to make a stand or die trying.
2 people like this
@Shiva49 (26684)
• Singapore
26 Aug 21
@Vikingswest1 I also fear any country can implode and the enemy is within in our divisiveness.
I could not digest what went through in the bastion of democracy, the US, after the elections.
It was clear the Afghan leadership was on shaky ground and propped up by not their people.
Democracy and freedom are alien to them as in most other countries with a similar background.
All the weapons have landed in the "wrong hands" now, not that there is ever any "right hand" for them!
Our present ways will not work; we need to cooperate for some basic framework of united action.
2 people like this
@eileenleyva (27560)
• Philippines
27 Aug 21
I was enjoying responding to the interesting discussions till I got to your post. I had to stand up and go to the kitchen to eat supper. Nothing can be too grave when the belly is full, an old saying goes. Which brings to mind millions of hungry refugees who, most of the time, sleep on empty stomachs.
And now we see the Greeks build a wall to bar the Afghans from getting through the border.
Let's not say which country is to blame. Not even the United Nations.
The fact is the coward of an ex president enabled the terrorists to gain power. The United States had done its part to help the nation already torn by the war with the Russians. Twenty years of sacrifice from the Americans and other allies is good enough.
As in Yemen, Syria, Iran, etcetera, the presence of terrorists is always a bad thing. These evil creature instill fear with their ruthless ways.
But did you see the women stand up against the terrorists, too? And the youth carried their flag and paraded it on the main thoroughfare?
All is not lost. For sure, the UN has this Afghanistan fiasco top priority.
Putting faith in the people that after the initial shock, they would gather their bearing and fight for the right.
3 people like this
@ptrikha_2 (46955)
• India
27 Aug 21
@eileenleyva
A UN Force can go and bomb the whole Afghanistan and kill many who control things there.
Yet who can defeat a whole ideology plus even strongest bombs cannot blast away all the mountains and rocks of Afghanistan from where new fighters would spring.
It is for the Taliban to realise that war and revenge cannot go on forever.
Plus they can look towards Saudi Arabia, UAE, Jordan etc and see that giving suitable opportunity to women is something that is good for everyone in the longer run.
3 people like this
@ptrikha_2 (46955)
• India
28 Aug 21
@Shiva49
There are some conflicting opinions. There are elements of Pak Military supporting them but many civil elements in Pakistan are apprehensive of them due to their linkage with the Pak Taliban - Tehreek e Taliban.
Plus supporters are probably some Militant groups in Tajikistan and may be some unknown supporters in Middle East.
2 people like this
@Shiva49 (26684)
• Singapore
27 Aug 21
Thanks, a hungry man is an angry man - women are better!
I think it is a clash of civilizations and cultures. They could not shake off their past though much earlier they were more in tune with modern lifestyles and outlooks.
My values are different from that of my son and I accept them. After all, he has to face a different set of reality. But he is more aligned with my ways when it comes to the very basics.
Rigidity is part of their culture and hence there is only so much that others can do with manipulators waiting on the wings to fish in troubled waters too. It is their call finally.
The brutality has to run its course sadly. It is a lesson for others too as to how a few can enslave the majority. The problem is there is no unity among the big powers to get things in order. I have been lamenting how toothless the UN has become.
As for individuals, it is a personal choice for them to find their own destiny and as women constitute 50% of the population, they need to have a voice and assert their rights too.
2 people like this
@allknowing (136446)
• India
27 Aug 21
I understand India is planning on using the CAA alienating Muslims in the evacuation effort. How cruel is that?
2 people like this
@allknowing (136446)
• India
27 Aug 21
@Shiva49 India planning on using the CAA at this point in time seems you are OK with it The whole world is not into picking and choosing.
There is a hue and cry about journalists and media being stifled the moment they say anything against the Government - and this according to you is freedom of speech. I agree with you that India WAS the most tolerant of all countries but not any more. The Hindtuva card has never been played with such gusto as is being played now and what does that mean?
There is a ray of hope that the present CJI is not pocketed.
2 people like this
@Shiva49 (26684)
• Singapore
27 Aug 21
It is not as cruel as being butchered by their own in their country.
Indian Muslims are not seeking asylum in other countries in the name of persecution.
They have been growing faster than others too in terms of numbers.
And the film world is dominated by them and also in politics they play an active role too.
India remains one of the most tolerant of countries though anyone can take a contrary view and express their opinion freely unlike in many other countries which are less so.
2 people like this
@Shiva49 (26684)
• Singapore
27 Aug 21
@allknowing I have lived more than half my life in a few countries for extended periods of time.
I have had close relationships with people of all faiths and they still continue.
I have found there is always a majority privilege everywhere but India is the only country I know of where the minority gets reservations etc and are active in politics.
Regarding CAA, I have only a broad idea and do not want to know more.
I feel those oppressed in countries would be better off with their own especially when they want comfort in terms of beliefs. Otherwise, they stick out like a sore thumb among a different culture.
I believe India is still one of the best for all in terms of acceptance. Ultimately one gets repaid in the same coin how we go about in dealing with others. I have never had any issue anywhere.
Regarding foreign media, I know how they kowtow in countries that keep them in their place. They make it clear politics is only for citizens - outsiders have no stake in their future. In India, it is free for all but the world outside is more united like we see here too.
3 people like this
@RebeccasFarm (89883)
• Arvada, Colorado
26 Aug 21
I feel it is horrifying to say the least, people desperate to breath only are being denied.
2 people like this
@ptrikha_2 (46955)
• India
27 Aug 21
@Shiva49
Courtesy their own people I would say. They had 20 years but could not check Taliban.
Of course, Taliban also has a big external funding.
2 people like this
@RebeccasFarm (89883)
• Arvada, Colorado
26 Aug 21
@Shiva49 Yes, while the whole world knows it
2 people like this
@ptrikha_2 (46955)
• India
26 Aug 21
@Shiva49
The harsh fact is that in Afghanistan plus many places in South Asia, lives are just mere numbers.
No regard for human values, life or respect.
2 people like this
@ptrikha_2 (46955)
• India
26 Aug 21
Not much to say. I also feel as if we are moving towards total destruction of the humanity.
Two reasons :
1. Blatant environmental degradation.
2. Continuing menace of terrorism and radicalism.
What also worries me is the danger increasing for India in terms of cross border terrorism.
2 people like this
@Shiva49 (26684)
• Singapore
26 Aug 21
The irony is most are inspired by beliefs, or misrepresenting their essence to suit their agenda to enslave the majority.
Swami Vivekananda had said when we put our beliefs above the oneness of humanity, we are doomed to fail as a species. There will be no winners as there is only one creator and how we go about our lives to help others is what matters in the end.
It is like for us to win the other has to lose while the wisdom lies in all can win through a united effort. I have spoken with people of different backgrounds and nationalities and found we are just the same but a few can inject the poison of hatred in us.
2 people like this
@ptrikha_2 (46955)
• India
28 Aug 21
@Shiva49
Yes I agree. Else UN can be disintegrated with a few institutions like FAO, WHO, UNESCO, ICJ operating independently.
2 people like this
