Author: Mahdi Mozaffari
Since the change of regime in Afghanistan in 2021, religious minorities in the country have faced serious threats and targeted brutal attacks. These religious groups, particularly Shia and Sufi communities, have continuously fallen victim to violence and terrorism. The caretaker government, which is responsible for ensuring the security of all Afghan citizens, has so far failed to prevent such heartbreaking incidents.
In the latest example of this violence, a bloody terrorist attack occurred at the shrine of “Sayed Padshah Aqa Sadat” in the Nahreen district of Baghlan province. An armed assailant, using a silenced weapon, opened fire on a group of defenseless worshippers who were sitting on prayer mats, killing ten Sufi followers. Videos released from this tragic incident clearly show that these individuals were engaged in worship and prayer when they became targets of this brutal attack.
Factors and Roots of Terrorist Attacks against Shia and Sufi Communities
Many terrorist and brutal attacks against religious minorities, often carried out by extremist groups such as ISIS, stem from radical and extremist interpretations of Islam that view any ideological or religious difference as a deviation that must be met with violence. Sufis, due to their beliefs and practices deemed deviant by extremist groups, have consistently been targeted.
The numerous attacks by takfiri groups in Afghanistan indicate that these groups have particularly focused their brutal operations against Shia and Sufi communities. The United Nations has repeatedly highlighted the increase in violence against these minorities in Afghanistan in its reports. For instance, in its 2023 report, the organization noted at least four major attacks against Sufis in Afghanistan, resulting in dozens of casualties. Among these attacks are the assault on the “Sahib Khalifa” mosque in Kabul and the “Mawlawi Sikandar Sufi” mosque in Kunduz, both occurring in 2022 with heavy casualties.
The suicide bombing at Imam Zaman Mosque in Pul Khumri last year during Friday prayers, which resulted in the deaths and injuries of dozens of Shia individuals, is just one prominent example of these attacks against Shia communities in Afghanistan.
The Government’s Failure to Ensure the Security of Religious Minorities
While it was expected that the caretaker government, as the new rulers of Afghanistan, would ensure the security of all citizens, especially religious minorities, they have not only failed in this regard but have also attempted to restrict the religious freedoms of these groups. Local sources in Baghlan report that the current rulers have not only limited the holding of religious ceremonies for Shia Muslims but have also warned Sufis to refrain from conducting their spiritual gatherings.
The current government’s failure to secure the safety of Shia and Sufi communities indicates that terrorist networks in Afghanistan are well-organized and capable of carrying out complex operations. It must be noted that the continuation of this trend not only jeopardizes the security of Afghanistan but could also contribute to regional instability. To combat this threat, the international community must exert more pressure on the current rulers of Afghanistan to fulfill their commitments regarding counter-terrorism. Additionally, supporting civil society and human rights activists in Afghanistan can play a crucial role in raising public awareness about the dangers of extremism and terrorism.
Reasons for the Government’s Failure to Ensure Security
One of the main reasons for the government’s failure to establish security for religious minorities is its “lack of commitment to international obligations.” The caretaker government undertook commitments to ensure the security of all Afghans, including religious minorities, by signing the Doha Agreement. However, in practice, this group has not adhered to many of these commitments. The presence of extremist groups such as ISIS-Khorasan also poses a significant challenge to security in Afghanistan. These groups directly attack religious minorities with their highly extremist ideologies, threatening security in the country.
On the other hand, the structural and managerial weaknesses of the current rulers present a major obstacle to ensuring security in the country. The leaders face serious challenges in establishing an efficient and accountable government. The lack of professional security forces, bureaucratic corruption, and insufficient infrastructure have all adversely affected the current rulers’ ability to maintain security. Furthermore, the caretaker government’s discriminatory policies against religious minorities, especially Shia and Sufi communities, have exacerbated tensions and insecurity. Restrictions such as bans on religious ceremonies, destruction of sacred sites, and discrimination in access to public services have heightened feelings of insecurity and distrust among minorities. These policies not only fail to contribute to the stability and security of the country but also fuel hatred and animosity.
Another major challenge faced by the caretaker government in ensuring security is the absence of a strong and centralized governmental structure. The current rulers have come to power as a militia group and lack sufficient experience in managing a complex and multicultural country. This has resulted in decision-making often being based on short-term and group interests, neglecting the interests of the entire country, particularly those of minority groups.
Consequences of the Government’s Failure to Ensure Security
The caretaker government’s failure to secure the citizens of Afghanistan, particularly religious minorities, has had widespread and detrimental consequences for the country. These repercussions have not only affected the security and stability of Afghanistan but have also exacerbated humanitarian and social crises.
One of the most significant consequences of this failure is the escalation of insecurity and instability in Afghanistan. The ongoing terrorist attacks against religious minorities have created an atmosphere of fear and terror within society, eroding the already limited trust of the people in the government. This insecurity has driven away investments, disrupted economic activities, and hindered the reconstruction of the country. Furthermore, the continuation of this situation could lead to the expansion of activities by other terrorist groups and an increase in security threats in the region.
Another important consequence of the government’s failure in this regard is the displacement of thousands of Afghan people. Terrorist attacks have forced individuals to leave their homes, resulting in a widespread humanitarian crisis. Internally displaced persons face numerous challenges, including a lack of shelter, food, clean water, and healthcare services. This situation has placed immense pressure on the country’s limited resources and exacerbated Afghanistan’s economic and social problems.
Additionally, terrorist attacks against religious minorities have fueled ethnic and religious tensions in Afghanistan and weakened national unity. These attacks have intensified feelings of animosity and hatred among various ethnic and religious groups, leading to deep divisions within society. This environment has obstructed the establishment of an inclusive and accountable government and contributed to the prolongation of the crisis in Afghanistan.
The insecurity and instability stemming from terrorist attacks have also worsened the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. The need for humanitarian assistance to provide food, medicine, shelter, and other basic necessities for displaced individuals and victims of these attacks has significantly increased. Moreover, this crisis has complicated access to healthcare and education services, causing serious harm to the future generation of Afghanistan.
In addition to domestic consequences, the current government’s failure to ensure the security of religious minorities has had international repercussions as well. This situation has created a negative image of Afghanistan in the world and reduced international support for the country. Furthermore, it has led to increased tensions in the region and foreign interference in Afghanistan’s internal affairs.
Effective Solutions for Ensuring the Security of Religious Minorities
The caretaker government’s failure to ensure the security of religious minorities in Afghanistan has posed serious challenges for the country. To overcome this situation, a set of solutions at both domestic and international levels is essential.
At the domestic level, the government must first fulfill its commitments to ensure the security of all citizens of Afghanistan without any discrimination. This requires creating a safe and stable environment for all ethnic and religious groups. Additionally, the government should enhance its management and security capacities by strengthening its governmental structures. Establishing professional and trained security forces, combating administrative corruption, and creating a fair judicial system are among the necessary actions in this regard. Furthermore, the current rulers should promote a discourse of tolerance and coexistence to help reduce ethnic and religious tensions. Creating equal opportunities for all citizens, respecting human rights, and upholding fundamental freedoms are crucial steps that can strengthen national unity.
At the international level, the global community must support efforts to ensure security and stability in Afghanistan. Providing humanitarian assistance, investing in various economic and social sectors, and supporting reconstruction and development programs are actions that can help improve the situation in Afghanistan. Additionally, the international community should encourage the current rulers of the country to adhere to their international commitments through diplomacy and dialogue, emphasizing the importance of respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms. Regional cooperation is also vital in this context. Afghanistan’s neighboring countries can contribute to reducing violence and insecurity by playing a constructive role in the peace and stability process.
One of the most important strategies for addressing insecurity in the country is to strengthen regional cooperation. Afghanistan’s neighboring countries can help reduce security threats in the region by establishing a joint mechanism to combat terrorism and extremism. Moreover, these countries can assist in enhancing stability and security in Afghanistan by supporting the government in various areas.
Inclusive dialogue is another significant strategy for resolving Afghanistan’s crisis. Creating a dialogue space among all political and social groups in Afghanistan can help find common solutions to the country’s problems. Additionally, holding international conferences with representatives from various countries, international organizations, and civil society groups can raise global awareness about the situation in Afghanistan and mobilize effective international assistance.
