Afghanistan’s new ruler promised to establish a strong democratic government responsive to each citizen and capable of bringing stability to a country that has suffered from more than two decades of political turmoil. Speaking in front of over 3,000 people who packed into McDonough Gymnasium on Sunday, Afghanistan’s Interim Authority Chairman Hamid Karzai said that the Afghan people are ready to rebuild their country.
“From difficult times, we are working towards good times, positive times, hopeful times,” said Karzai, who holds the top position in the country’s post-Taliban leadership.
Many citizens, he said, have already traveled hundreds of miles to seek out their new ruler. “They were different people,” Karzai said, “but they had one message: central government, independence and unity for all people.”
Karzai spoke primarily in Pashtun and Farsi. Simultaneous English-translation devices were made available for audience members.
Karzai’s speech was continually interrupted by applause from audience members, which included a sizable number of Afghan-Americans. Many cheered throughout the speech, and some stood up and congratulated their new leader.
Karzai praised the resilience of the people of Afghanistan, who he said continue to work despite the lack of money in the country’s banks. Food is also scarce, but according to Karzai, not one person who came to vist him has asked him for more.
“They are so loyal to this country,” Karzai said. “They wanted to free Afghanistan. They wanted to save Afghanistan. That’s why I am here.”
Karzai related one story about a friend of his who lost several family members during the U.S.-led bombing attacks. According to Karzai, fleeing Taliban officials took refuge in his friend’s house and, as a result, it was struck by U.S. bombs.
“I wouldn’t have believed it,” Karzai said, “had I not heard it with my own ears.” Karzai said that his friend told him that he accepted the losses because they would lead to a “free Afghanistan.”
U.S.-led attacks forced the ruling Taliban regime from power this past year. Last December, Afghan opposition groups met in Germany and agreed to establish an interim government. According to Karzai, his rule will eventually give way to a democratically elected Afghan assembly.
“We have gotten independence from the outside,” Karzai said. “And I promise that we will have independence from the inside, too.”
Karzai said that international donors have already pledged $4.5 billion to help rebuild Afghanistan. In return for international support, Karzai said, the Afghan people must be equally committed to rebuilding their country. In particular, he said that his people should behave decently and follow the rule of law.
“We have to say to these people [donors] now that we are going to deliver also,” Karzai said.
Karzai also called on Afghan nationals living abroad?the majority of whom reside in Western Europe and the United States?to return to their homeland. He offered them dual citizenship?the chance to receive Afghan citizenship without having to forfeit the citizenship of their host country.
“Come to Afghanistan, and when you come to Afghanistan, the country is going to be better, I promise you,” Karzai said, whose words met with thunderous applause from the large Afghan and Afghan-American contingent in the audience.
Specifically addressing the young Afghan community, Karzai switched to speaking in English and made a specific request.
“Work hard. Study hard. Study well. Earn money and bring it to Afghanistan.”
