In The Liminal

For over four decades, peace in Afghanistan has been discussed on papers and at official and social gatherings. Millions of people around the world have prayed for it and Afghans have dreamt of it. What does peace truly mean to those who have lived through the nation’s struggles? There is a saying in Afghanistan similar to the English proverb “The part represents the whole.” In this article, we present the heartfelt perspectives of six Afghans now living inside and outside the country. Their vision of a peaceful future for their homeland is inspiring and thought-provoking.

The concept of a peaceful Afghanistan may feel like a distant dream. Still, envisioning a peaceful Afghanistan, I would say, living without fear of violence, regardless of ethnicity, gender, or religious beliefs. A country where women and children can walk the streets freely, schools are open for girls and operate without the fear of being attacked, and homes are places of security, not anxiety. In a peaceful Afghanistan, economic stability would empower citizens to live secure and fulfilling lives. Afghanistan is rich in natural resources, from minerals to agricultural potential. A peaceful environment would open opportunities to develop these resources responsibly. In a secure state, Afghan entrepreneurs and workers could start businesses, find stable employment, and create prosperity. International trade, fair investment, and sustainable economic policies would drive Afghanistan’s growth, creating jobs and improving the quality of life for all its citizens.

Yalda is a 26-year-old Business Administration graduate from a private university in Kabul. She has actively engaged in various roles with multiple organizations since 2017 and currently serves as Program Coordinator at a private company in Kabul, Afghanistan.

When I envision a peaceful Afghanistan, I see a society where every individual, especially women, has equal access to education and opportunities. In this Afghanistan, girls grow up knowing they can pursue their dreams, study and contribute to their communities without fear or restriction. The empowerment of women through education would lead to a more knowledgeable and compassionate society, encouraging a brighter future for all.

I also picture a country where religious, racial, and ethnic freedoms are upheld for everyone, allowing people of all backgrounds to live together in mutual respect and harmony. In this peaceful Afghanistan, diverse beliefs and traditions are celebrated, and every person is free to express their identity without fear of discrimination. Furthermore, this ideal nation would also provide job opportunities for everyone, helping people support their families.

The streets are lit up with music, art, and cultural expressions, reflecting the creativity of its people. Public spaces are alive with joy, festivals, and community gatherings, uniting people through shared experiences. As Nietzsche said: "He who has a ‘why’ to live can bear almost any ‘how.’" This vision of Afghanistan, embracing unity and freedom, shows the strong spirit and hope of its people.

BKS, 19, is a medical student passionate about science, philosophy, and social change. Having lived 9 years in Afghanistan, they believe unity, knowledge, and respect for diverse cultures are essential for building a peaceful future.

When I envision a peaceful Afghanistan, I see a nation where everyone can reach their full potential, regardless of gender or background. Women and men stand as equals, contributing together to the social and economic fabric of our society. Education is accessible to all, empowering youth to pursue their dreams without hindrance.

I imagine bustling cities and serene villages where diverse languages like Dari, Pashto, and others are spoken with pride, celebrating our rich culture. Communities are connected through mutual understanding and respect. Workplaces are inclusive, with gender disparities overcome and women's contributions valued across all sectors.

Violence against women is a relic of the past, replaced by a culture of support, advocacy, and empowerment. Through continuous education and training, we've built a society that not only acknowledges but also champions the rights and talents of women. Policies are shaped by the collective needs of the people, emphasizing transparency and accountability.

A peaceful Afghanistan is where farmers tend to their fields without fear, knowing that the fruits of their labor will nourish their communities. The shadows of conflict have lifted, replaced by the warm glow of hope and prosperity. International partnerships thrive, not out of necessity but mutual respect and shared goals. In this vision, Afghanistan is not just at peace with itself but stands as a beacon of resilience and inspiration to the world.

Nilofar Farzam is an accomplished professional with an MBA and over seven years of work experience in Afghanistan's government and private sectors. Fluent in Dari, Pashto, English, and Turkish, she specializes in gender issues and combating violence against women. She served in the Directorate of Cabinet Affairs at the Administrative Office of the President, contributing to high-level governmental initiatives. Leveraging her expertise, she empowers women through education, advocacy, and training, working to bridge gender disparities in education and employment.

When I think of a peaceful Afghanistan, I see a sovereign country where a government chosen by the people serves the people. I see a nation that upholds our positive cultural values and traditions and has stepped away from harmful traditions brought upon us by wars and conflicts over the past five decades. I see a prospering country where all life is precious. Where its people, residents, and visitors can count on justice and the rule of law. Where any mother can send her child to school and let them play outside without any worries, regardless of the gender of the child. Where an ordinary citizen can call on the rulers and express complaints or criticism without the fear of being punished or ostracized for it. A peaceful Afghanistan would be free of war, terrorism, extremism, conflicts, inequalities, and injustice. It would be an Afghanistan where all its people have education and work opportunities to contribute to the country's development and the world's.

WS is an Afghan woman born and raised in Afghanistan. She has a university-level education and has worked as a teacher but is currently unemployed.

A peaceful Afghanistan would be when I wake up every morning and see boys and girls of different ages going to schools and universities. Currently, Afghanistan is in the headlines of global news in the humanitarian section; whenever there is a debate or meeting on humanitarian aid, Afghanistan is mentioned. A peaceful Afghanistan would be when we talk about or act on the development of Afghanistan and when we see different news on the development of universities, social sciences, hospitals, new infrastructures, dams, international relations, and economic growth of Afghanistan.

Rabiullah Stanekzai is a youth activist living in Afghanistan who works with an international organization. He has worked in the private sector and with Non-Governmental and Government organizations for eight years. He has one master’s degree in economics and is pursuing a second one in project management (MSPM) from Peshawar, Pakistan.

A peaceful Afghanistan would include a complete separation of religion from state. Everyone would be equal before the law regardless of gender, religion, or social status. Education would be free for all and mandatory till the completion of high school; there would be no restrictions on education based on gender.

Gender apartheid would have no place in society, work, or education. Women and men would have an equal space to exist and thrive without limitations. Gender identity and sexual orientation would not be held against someone or be a cause to harm them. Religious freedom would be allowed if the practice does not harm another individual. With any ideology permitted, there would be total political freedom and a democratic system that supported freedom of opinion and choice, from Communism to Liberalism and Centralist ideologies.

In a peaceful Afghanistan, diverse cultures and languages would thrive and be celebrated by everyone, regardless of ethnicity. Traditions would be maintained, provided they don’t harm other individuals.

KL is a 21-year-old living in Afghanistan. She hopes that her dreams of a peaceful Afghanistan will become reality.

The contributors to this article envision peace in Afghanistan as far more than the absence of war; they see it as a profound transformation of equality, justice, and opportunity. Despite differences in their individual priorities, their collective aspirations emphasize universal rights, the dignity of life, and a shared hope for a brighter future. A peaceful Afghanistan, as imagined here, is a place where education and opportunity thrive, where justice and the rule of law prevail, where cultural diversity is celebrated, where economic stability is achieved, and where social harmony reigns. Amidst the challenges, these visions reflect the determination of the Afghan people, their unyielding belief in their nation’s potential, and their enduring hope for a better tomorrow.