Four decades of war.
Two million people dead. Trillions of dollars spent. Money disappearing
into the pockets of corrupt politicians, bureaucrats, policemen and the armed
forces. No accountability. No transparency. No infrastructure. The misery and poverty
of the majority of the people continues unabated, decade after decade. Children freeze to death in the winter. They
starve to death all year round. The question remains, “Who benefits from this
misery?” The human cost of war doesn’t enter into any politician’s
calculations.
In October 2011 Secretary of State Clinton emphasized
a new three-track strategy of “Fight, talk, and build,” claiming to “pursue
all three tracks at once, as they are mutually reinforcing.” One year later, it
is clear that the 3rd Afghan strategy of the Obama administration
can be added to the scrap heap of failed strategies along with the “Af-Pak”
strategy and the “Surge”. No one is talking, nothing is being built, fighting
is the only track that continues unabated. Security, even in Kabul, is tenuous.
Peace seems a distant and illusory concept.
On Sunday, September 2nd, the Afghan Peace
Volunteers held a press conference in Kabul, Afghanistan to introduce a new
strategy, called the “2 Million Friends” initiative. Built on a foundation of
hope and goodwill, this initiative calls on ordinary citizens of all countries
to join with ordinary Afghan citizens, who are tired of corruption, hatred and
war, to be friends. When asked about the role of international people, Roz
Mohammed, a young man from Midan Wardak replied, “The international people are
just like us, ordinary people who want to work with us for peace.” The
wish is for 2 million friends, in remembrance of each of the 2 million Afghan
victims of 40 years of war in Afghanistan, to join together and appeal for
peace. 2 million friends to tell our respective governments, "Enough! We
wish to live without war."
“2 Million Friends” is not just an initiative to be “liked”
or “shared” on the Internet. It is about recognizing our shared humanity. When
we see the suffering of a friend, we do not stand by and wish things were
different, we act to end their suffering. “2 Million Friends” is a call to
action here,
here,
and here.
On December 10, 2012, International Human Rights Day, “2
Million Friends” will present a
petition to the UN calling for an immediate ceasefire in Afghanistan,
leading to direct, substantial talks to end the war, end the government
corruption and begin to advocate for the welfare of the majority of the Afghan
people who have suffered for too long.
The Afghan Peace Volunteers is a unique organization in
Afghanistan. Its members are young volunteers from all the major ethnic groups.
They live together and promote peaceful coexistence, simple living and
self-reliance. They receive no salary, and they don’t promote any particular
religious or political party. They are truly independent. In the fractured, war
torn country of Afghanistan, this alone is a remarkable achievement. When asked
why they focus on the youth, Ali, a young man from Bamyan Province replied, “We
need everyone’s help, but we focus on the youth because they are the future of
Afghanistan.” Shaima, a young woman from Parwan added, “When the youth have
information about non-violence and peace they will not be so willing to continue
to fight.” The Afghan Peace Volunteers are growing, even in the face of
enormous challenges, and they invite everyone who desires peace through
non-violence to be their friend!
To become one of 2 Million Friends, visit http://www.2millionfriends.org
And on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/2millionfriends
