Jobbik MEP Gyöngyösi: Thoughts on the aftermath of a huge failure in Afghanistan
Remarks from Jobbik MEP Márton Gyöngyösi:
Seeing the media photos on the Afghanistan situation, it’s hard to say anything. After failing in Afghanistan that was occupied by the Taliban within just a few days, the western countries are now fleeing in a chaotic mess, abandoning everything, including the people of Afghanistan.
This is a sad conclusion to a nearly 20-year period and an important lesson for America and Europe. That’s why I think we need to face the reality no matter how hard it is.
We must face the fact that the West, which identifies with tolerance and diversity, has failed to understand Afghanistan’s diversity and culture. Despite the persistent export of western institutions, they failed to build a solid societal base in this country inhabited by so many different peoples and burdened by so much internal tension. Unfortunately, democracies are not built in a day, even in the more underprivileged part of Europe, let alone Central Asia. No matter how the institutions, the army and public order exist on paper, if there aren’t enough people to back them, they collapse. Just as we have witnessed it. It’s a painful lesson to learn.
We must also face the fact that the images of desperate Afghan people trying to get on the last planes fundamentally question the West’s belief in solidarity and its righteousness when it comes to holding itself accountable for the often-advertised ethical norms. Over the past twenty years lots of Afghans cooperated with the missions and the deployed armies of the western countries. Despite all the difficulties, countless Afghans tried to organize their lives in a new political system on the basis of what they learnt from the West. The West has abandoned these people in their time of need, which might even cost their lives. I believe if there ever was an absolutely justified time for western countries to help refugees, it would have been now.
However, they hardly did anything because the tragedy was not taking place on their borders. It was somewhere far, far away.
We must also face the fact that the Taliban has changed over the past 20 years, too: they seem to have realized they had better keep contact with the outside world. Russia and China are getting ready to take control in the vacuum left behind by the western exodus. If necessary, they will recognize the Taliban government. America and Europe lost once again, because they were unable to maintain their dominance while Russia and China appear to be increasing their power even more. This is a terribly disheartening message to those who, often risking their lives in different parts of the world, defy oppressive governments and fight for their freedom in the hope of western help and support to guide their countries to the path of democracy.
The West seems to have failed to live up to its own principles. Not only is this utterly sad, but I’m afraid it poses enormous long-term risks for us, too. If we are unable to protect our principles and guarantee the safety of the people who believe in western values, who will protect us from falling victim to authoritarian regimes? It’s time for the leaders of the western world to think about it. If they truly care, that is…
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