New step on the path of democracy?!?

Today Afghanistan’s first parliament after nearly three decades of brutal occupation, war and Taliban rule is opening with a huge ceremony in the newly renovated parliament building. Representatives and officials from around the world have come to Kabul to participate in this historical event which Karzai understood quite good to put in glamour.

In the streets though the excitement about the “new step on the path of democracy” is limited. The fact that most (80-90%) of the in September elected parliament members had been leading figures in Afghanistan’s bloody past – drug-trader, anti-Soviet warlords, fundamentalist religious leaders, several accused of crimes against humanity – fears the people. Less and less ordinary Afghans – which, despite the flood of billions of dollars from the international community, still struggle grinding poverty- believe in Karzais Government being able to rule Afghanistan towards a better future.

The criticism against the international community, which had been responsible for organising the parliamentary election, is increasing at the same time: how did the warlords found the way into the parliament? Who is supporting them? Why did the international community pushed the elections at a time when Karzai’s Interims Government and the international forces were not even able to maintain the general security in the provinces and when bribery, corruption and extortion were happening on a daily basis? What will be the future of Afghanistan having such a parliament for the next 5 years?

Security today is high. After a suicide blast last Friday 500m from the parliament building the fear of other suicide attacks increases. As during the last weeks (of Economy Congress, opening of the first 5star hotel in Kabul etc.) Kabuls streets are blocked for ordinary cars and taxis – Kabulis are getting used to walk – sometimes many kilometres – to work, to meetings, for shopping…transportation in Kabul regularly breaks down involving the cancellation of meetings and other activities…mostly suffering though as always women (especially war widows with little children who have to make their way to shopping etc.) and old people…