Afghan Society Research Articles

The Necessity and Importance of Research and its Role in Afghan Society

This research examines the necessity and importance of scientific research in Afghan society and its role in the economic, social, and cultural development of the country. Given the numerous challenges faced by Afghanistan, including war, poverty, and political instability, research is recognized as a vital tool for identifying and analyzing problems and providing data-driven and evidence-based solutions. The research employs a qualitative methodology based on semi-structured interviews with researchers, university professors, and policymakers. Findings indicate that scientific research can contribute to economic development by enhancing educational quality, improving infrastructure, and increasing innovation. Additionally, the results suggest that institutional, cultural, and financial resource barriers are among the main challenges to advancing research in Afghanistan. Ultimately, this study emphasizes the need for investment in research and the creation of suitable infrastructures to achieve sustainable development and improve the quality of life in Afghanistan.

Public Perception of the Higher Education System under the Regime of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan

A modern, free, and dynamic higher education system is the basic and critical element of successful nation, and it can contribute to the progress and development of a country. Under both regimes of the Islamic Emirates of Afghanistan, the higher education system has undergone significant changes to align with the government’s interpretation of Islamic principles. This study is important to understand how Afghan society views the changes and policies implemented in the education sector under the current regime. The research study aims to evaluate public sentiment regarding access, quality, and inclusivity of higher education, particularly in relation to gender, curriculum changes, and ideological shifts. This paper focuses on the Taliban’s higher education system and investigates public responses to educational policies. This paper will offer recommendations to all stakeholders involved in the Afghan higher education system, aimed at improving its management and development during this crucial period. This work employs non-doctrinal and library research methodology. Non-doctrinal research examines how laws are applied and experienced in practice by collecting data through surveys, interviews, field studies, and observations. In this research study, data was collected through a questionnaire and then analyzed through SPSS. Moreover, in the library research methodology, most of the reputable and trustworthy academic sources such as textbooks, scholarly published and unpublished journal articles, law reports, and online websites related to the research area were analyzed through descriptive, explanatory, and analytical research approaches. The Afghan higher education system, established in the 1930s, has faced continuous political pressures, especially during periods of conflict like the Soviet invasion and civil war from the 1980s to 1990s. Women face major limitations in higher education, including restrictions on fields of study and exclusion from faculty positions, raising concerns about gender equality and access to education.

Explaining the Taliban’s Revival: Thomas Spragens’s Crisis Theory

The revival of the Taliban and their rapid domination of Afghanistan shocked the world. It is a response to the chronic historical, political and social crises of the Afghan society, which is still in geopolitical and strategic confusion and disorder. Using the analytical descriptive method, the present study attempts to answer the question related to the causes of the reemergence of the Taliban based on Thomas Spragens’ crisis theory. The research hypothesis states that the conflict between political actors and the creation of a political deadlock has caused successive crises and political, social and security disintegration in the society. Accepting the Taliban, the Afghan people seek to solve the crisis and restore, peace, stability, order and security for themselves and their descendants. It seems that the occupation of the country, nonimplementation of Sharia laws and spread of corruption are signs of a brewing crisis caused by the weakness of the central government, lack of nation-state agreement, the spread of ethnocentrism and overdependence on America. To address these challenges, Afghans increasingly resort to Jihad and the formation of an Islamic Emirate as a possible solution.

The Role of Working Commission Transactions in Afghanistan's Legal System

A commission agent is an individual who conducts business transactions in their own name on behalf of the transaction owner, earning a fee for their services. This contractual arrangement between the transaction owner and the commission agent is referred to as a working commission. It is important to differentiate working commission from representation and advocacy; in traditional representation or advocacy, the representative or advocate acts on behalf of the principal or client, whereas a commission agent often conceals the identity of their principal. Consequently, the party involved in the transaction may only recognize the commission agent’s right and not the identity of the principal. This research highlights the significance of working commission transactions within the Afghan legal framework by thoroughly examining their legal implications. The importance of this discussion is paramount, as it addresses a critical issue impacting Afghan society. The objectives of this research can be viewed from both theoretical and practical perspectives. Theoretically, the primary aim is to expand the academic understanding of commission transactions. Practically, the research seeks to analyze the position of commission work within Afghanistan's legal system, which constitutes a fundamental legal concern. The investigation was conducted using library resources and existing legal texts from Afghanistan. Insights and definitions pertaining to this topic were derived from relevant books and legal documents. Through this research, I have concluded that a commission agent is a businessman who operates in their own name while acting on behalf of others. In this context, entities that establish and manage property dealer offices serve as pertinent examples of working commission practices.

EXPLORING THE INTERWOVEN THEMES OF GENDER DYNAMICS AND SOCIETAL CHALLENGES IN KHALED HOSSEINI'S A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Background and Purpose: This study delves into the portrayal of gender equality and women's empowerment in Khaled Hosseini's novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns, within the context of Afghan society. Recognizing the significance of literature as a mirror reflecting societal realities, this research aims to explore the multifaceted experiences of female protagonists navigating oppressive patriarchal structures and uncover the complexities of gender inequality and women's agency depicted in the novel. Methodology: Employing thematic analysis, I conducted an in-depth examination of character dynamics, societal norms, and narrative elements present in A Thousand Splendid Suns. Through a systematic exploration of themes and patterns within the text, the study elucidates the nuanced complexities of gender discrimination and women's resilience in the face of adversity. Data collection involves close reading and interpretation of the novel, supplemented by theoretical engagement with relevant literature on gender studies and Afghan society. The qualitative approach allows for a rich exploration of the experiences and perspectives of female characters within the narrative context. Findings: The findings of the analysis illuminate the pervasive discrimination, violence, and systemic oppression faced by Afghan women as depicted in the novel. Characters like Mariam and Laila exemplify the intersectionality of gender with other axes of oppression, such as class and ethnicity, highlighting the interconnected nature of social hierarchies. Despite the challenges they face, female characters demonstrate resilience and determination in challenging societal norms and asserting their autonomy. The narrative underscores the transformative power of education as a catalyst for women's empowerment, inspiring others to advocate for systemic change and justice. Contributions: This study contributes to a deeper understanding of gender dynamics and societal challenges prevalent in Afghan culture by scrutinizing the complexities of gender portrayal in literature. By shedding light on the struggles and triumphs of female characters, the research underscores the importance of promoting gender equality and women's empowerment as fundamental principles of social justice and human rights. Ultimately, A Thousand Splendid Suns serves as a powerful testament to the enduring human spirit and the transformative potential of solidarity in the face of oppression and adversity. Keywords: Oppressive male dominance, Khaled Hosseini, gender equality, women’s empowerment, A Thousand Splendid Sun. Cite as: Alqaryouti, M. H. (2024). Gender equality and women’s empowerment in A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 9(2), 490-513. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol9iss2pp490-513

Causes of Sexual Crimes in Afghanistan and Ways to Prevent Them

Sexual crimes significantly undermine the cultural and moral fabric of society. Similar to other types of crime, these offenses have identifiable causes that must be understood to effectively prevent their occurrence. Recognizing the importance of addressing the root causes of sexual crimes in Afghanistan is crucial for fostering social development, stability, and intellectual and cultural security. This article aims to identify the underlying causes of sexual crimes in Afghan society and propose measures for their prevention, which have contributed to the rise of such offenses. To conduct this research, both library resources and internet sources were utilized. The investigation revealed three primary categories of causes for sexual crimes in Afghanistan: family-related factors, personal issues, and broader social influences. Addressing these factors is essential for formulating effective prevention strategies.

The "First daughter" effect: Human rights advocacy and attitudes toward gender equality in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.

International concern for the human rights of Afghan women has spiked since the Taliban consolidated power in Afghanistan in fall 2021. Yet little is known about how to effectively advocate for women's human rights under this new context. We present findings from a random sample of all adult Afghan internet users' attitudes toward peace, security, gender, and human rights and find significant support for women's human rights as a national priority within Afghanistan, even when controlling for other priorities and even among many men and women aligned with the Taliban. Given that men now have much more political power in Afghan society to protect women's rights, we paid particular attention to men's attitudes toward women's human rights. Our evidence from an embedded survey experiment, building on earlier literature from other countries, demonstrates that fathers of eldest daughters are particularly likely to favor prioritizing women's rights when primed to think about the gender of their eldest children. Thus, the human rights and humanitarian community should spend more time and attention engaging with this demographic, and specifically creating marketing and advocacy strategies that encourage men to think about or act on behalf of their eldest daughters.

تحلیل جامعه‌شناختی جزاهای بدیل حبس در حقوق کیفری افغانستان

Imprisonment is one of the criminal reactions, which is applied to establishment of social order and ensure justice. Alternative punishments of imprisonment were proposed as a result of the emergence of critical criminology theories in the 19th century and de-imprisonment theories. According to the theories of the abolitionist schools, the movements of de-imprisonment and international documents, the Afghan legislator has determined the alternative punishments of imprisonment as the main punishment in 2016. The novelty of the alternative punishment of imprisonment as the main punishment in the penal code and how it matches with the prevailing culture needs a research in this regard. The purpose of the research is to study the alternative punishments of imprisonment, its function in reforming the criminal and how it is accepted as a social phenomenon in the Afghan society. The question is, what is the function of alternative prison sentences from a sociological point of view? What is the feedback of alternative prison sentences in correction and rehabilitation of criminals? This research has been done in a descriptive-analytical way, using a library tool to collect data, in the criminal law of Afghanistan. The findings of the research are; The legislator has determined the alternative punishments of imprisonment for the first time in its modern form as the main punishment. As far as the alternative punishments of imprisonment have been implemented in the society, according to the punishment of imprisonment, it has played more effective roles in the part of reformingthe criminal. Chnging imprisonment to an alternative punishment during punishment shows the flexibility of the legislator regarding the criminals in order to provide the basis for their reformation. However, lack of strict monitoring of its implementation, lack of necessary tools and equipment for electronic monitoring, and lack of culturalizaion among judges to determine alternative punishments to imprisonment are among the problems in its implementation.

INSTITUTIONAL RACISM IN SULTANZADAH'S NOVEL 'SHAM-E AKHIR-E AFGHANI' (2021)

This research addresses institutional racism in Afghanistan, focusing on Mohammad Asif Sultanzadah's novel entitled Sham-e Akhir-e Afghani (2021). Utilizing the theoretical framework of institutional racism from Carmichael and Hamilton (1967), this study employs a qualitative approach with textual analysis as the primary tool. In the novel, Sultanzadah’s narrative highlights institutional racism perpetrated by extremist Pashtuns (Taliban) and Afghan government against Hazaras. Findings indicate that racism persists in Afghan society, with Hazaras that differ in ethnicity, religion, and culture, experiencing significant discrimination, particularly in various social settings. While Pashtuns are seen as a superior democratic power condemning individual racism, Hazaras face systemic racial discrimination in education, relationships, housing, and the economic system. This study underscores the urgent need to address institutional racism in Afghanistan.

Unveiling the Cultural Impact of 'Ashar': A Societal Perspective

‘Ashar’, also referred to as Hashar, stands as a prevalent tradition deeply ingrained within Afghan culture, characterized by collective voluntary labor directed towards specific communal tasks or projects. This research endeavors to delve into the urgent necessity of addressing the potential decline of this significant social activity and to propose diverse solutions for its preservation. With its unique capacity to nurture unity and cohesion among communities, ‘Ashar’ yields a myriad of benefits that resonate across individuals and groups. Even the simplest act of aiding a single person exemplifies the profound impact and intrinsic value of this communal tradition. Through an exploration of its multifaceted implications, this study aims to illuminate the critical importance of safeguarding ‘Ashar’ to perpetuate its invaluable contributions to Afghan society.

Current state of the political culture of Afghanistan

The article is devoted to one of the important issues of the development of the political space, political system, political life, and ideological and cultural structure of modern Afghan society. The article attempts to analyze and discuss various aspects of the current state of the political culture of Afghanistan. The main attention is paid to the attitude of citizens to politics and the political regime of the Taliban (organization banned in Russia). Afghanistan’s current political culture is based on the models and values of the Taliban government. They rely on traditionalist political models. The implementation of modern political processes, such as elections, is not far from being able to question the power of representatives. It can be argued that political culture is the link between people and political power. The main task of political culture is to include people in the political system of society and political activities. Political culture is a system of political knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and values, as well as political activities of political subjects. For example, political culture manifests itself differently in different social groups and communities, political movements, and individuals. The study of the current state of the political culture of Afghanistan allows us to conclude that today the level of conflict is quite high, the mood of the Afghan society is at a disorganized level. A controversial political culture prevails in Afghan society. This conflict can be seen in social differences, institutional weakness, society’s distrust of functioning authority, and cultural differences.

The Impact of the Cold War on the Afghan Society

The article is devoted to the policies of the global players of the Cold War using the example of Afghanistan. Noting the features of the Afghan policy of the Cold War, the author highlighted the key content of the very concept of the Cold War, political events in Afghanistan, internal and external challenges, ethnic problems and the problem of women during the Cold War. The influence of geopolitical processes on the development, internal and external interests of Afghan society in the 20th century, the social, economic and political consequences of the Cold War, features of the development of the political system and political culture of Afghanistan, ethnic problems in Afghan public discourse, etc. are considered. The author concludes that “The Cold War of the superpowers had a direct impact on internal political developments in Afghanistan, where parties and public organizations emerged as political structures with secular or Islamic ideology. The author comes to the conclusion that the internal political unity of Afghan society was not ensured for the reason that the Afghan elite was unable to form an ideology expressing national unity, and its individual parts preferred to serve the interests of one or another player without supporting the national interests of Afghanistan.The article was prepared according to the International Academic Mobility Program, organized by the National Research Institute of the Communications Development (Moscow) for young scientists from foreign countries.

DETERMINANTS AND PROSPECTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE OPIATE ECONOMY IN AFGHANISTAN

Drug production and trafficking, and the related development of criminal groups, are among the most serious problems of the modern world. Issues related to the drug business appear when the institutions and the economic and social systems of the state disintegrate. An example of this is Afghanistan, which has recently become the world’s largest producer of opiates. The growing production of opiates has had negative consequences for Afghan society, causing various social problems, and for the international community, strengthening organized criminal groups involved in drug trafficking around the world. The aim of this study is to look for the most important factors causing the rapid increase in opiate cultivation in Afghanistan, and to assess how the Taliban’s return to power will affect the drug business. The study was carried out through an analysis of available scientific literature, including statistical studies, as well as various compilation documents.

Exploring the Impact of Women's Presence in Afghan Media: An Examination of the Current Situation

The representation of women in media plays a crucial role in shaping societal norms and perceptions. This study examines the impact of women's presence in Afghan media on societal dynamics, exploring the challenges, opportunities, and perceptions surrounding this issue. Drawing on data collected from surveys conducted with 40 female employees in media organizations, the study analyzes participant demographics, perceptions of women's representation in Afghan media platforms, challenges faced by women in the industry, and the perceived impact of women's presence on societal attitudes towards gender equality and empowerment. Results indicate a prevailing sentiment of dissatisfaction regarding the adequacy of women's representation in Afghan media, with gender-based discrimination, societal pressure, and safety concerns identified as significant challenges. However, participants also recognize the positive impact of women's participation in media on reshaping societal dynamics and promoting gender equality. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to address systemic inequalities and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in Afghan media. Overall, this study contributes to a better understanding of the role of media in advancing gender equality and empowerment in Afghan society.

Kadınların Güçlendirilmesi ve Göç Etme Niyeti Üzerine Hanehalkı Düzeyinde Bir Araştırma: Afganistan Örneği

This study investigates the relationship between two important concerns, which are migration intentions of households and women empowerment in the case of Afghanistan where migration is a process that continues from its history to the present, and international indicators shows a quite bad picture on women empowerment or gender equality. It is obvious that women in this country presents a great vulnerability and they need to be empowered. However, it is not that obvious whether their empowerment is associated with migration intention of households. Therefore, this paper questions how and in which way the empowerment of women as a vulnerable group within different segments of Afghan society influence migration intention of households. Findings show that women empowerment measures, that are Women_leader, Women_support, Women_job, and Girls_edu, do not significantly influence migration intentions of households when they exist separately. However, it significantly influence migration intentions when they are allowed to interact together. It might be said that empowerment of women from political, social, and economic aspects that are presented by four of abovementioned measures is important to explain potential movements of population. Besides, there is significant regional differences to explain migration intentions. These findings are expected to be useful for policy makers on migration policies.

‘Jihad literacy’: the legacy of US-sponsored textbooks for Afghan children

ABSTRACT This paper uses critical discourse analysis and critical literacy to analyze the first in a series of literacy primers developed with US support for children in Afghanistan in the 1980s, called ‘Jihad literacy’. The text is analyzed for its ideological content as related to the themes of religion, violence, and martyrdom in the historical perspective of the Cold War and the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan. The paper demonstrates how the notion of ‘Jihad’ was subverted to promote a holy war against the Soviet invasion. The educational system supported by the US created a radical version of Islam based on violence and martyrdom, shaping the Afghan society to this day. We contend that the same or similar institutions shape current discourses as in the past and that children are the main victims of politico-economic warfare.

Introducing the interpretation of (Aziz Al-Tafseer) by Sheikh Sultan Aziz A descriptive evaluation study

This research paper highlights the Introduction to the (Aziz Al- Tafasir) and studies various contributions of Shaikh Sultan Aziz (1936-2013) in the field of Tafseer through his interpretation of the Holy Quran. Shaikh Sultan Aziz is one of the famous Pashtun scholars who lived in the 20th century in Afghanistan.
 There are several research papers that have discussed the efforts of Pashtun scholars in the interpretation of the Quran. This research paper discusses the worthy contributions of one of the great commentators of the Quran Shaykh Sultan Aziz called “Aziz al-Tafsir”. It encompasses a detailed biography of the writer and his worthy contribution to serving the Quran.
 Aziz al-Tafasir is the main exegesis of the Holy Qur'an in the Pashto language and consists of 13 volumes. This analytical study of interpretation focuses on deriving the true spirit of the message of Islam.
 In this brief article, I discuss the definition of the interpretation of Sheikh Sultan Aziz, who is considered one of the most important references for interpretation in Afghanistan in the present era. He spent a lifetime in the cause of jihad, in raising generations, and in reforming Afghan society.
 What prompted me to choose this topic is that this interpretation is one of the largest, if not the largest, written interpretations in the Pashto language, and that its author is one of the scholars and preachers who are referred to as Lebanon in the Afghan states, which makes this interpretation worth researching and extracting its treasures.
 In this article, Allah Almighty willing, we will get to know this interpretation briefly and usefully, with an introduction to the obscure interpreter, and a brief overview of its approach and the most important advantages and disadvantages of this great interpretation.
 The research problem lies in the following questions:
 What is the extent of care of the Pashtuns in the interpretation of the Holy Quran? Who is Sheikh Sultan Aziz? And what is his interpretation marked (Aziz al-Tafseer)? What is the status of this interpretation among other interpretations? What are the most important aspects of his approach to this interpretation? What are the advantages of this interpretation and notes on it?
 These were some of the questions that I searched for answers, in this brief article.
 The scientific method that I followed in my study of this subject is the descriptive study and evaluation, where I define “Aziz al-Tafseer”, and explain its importance, scientific status and methodology, then I evaluate the interpretation and explain its advantages among the interpretations and notes on it, if any.

The Tradition That Took Over

The forty-year civil war in Afghanistan was won by the forces that had defended traditional values. Afghan society will undoubtedly develop but according to its own destiny and going back half a century.

The United States’ Intervention in Afghanistan: the Dysfunction of a Centralized Authority in a Diverse Nation

This article reviews the US-led nation-building strategy effort in Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. The history of the nation-building efforts is retraced from the creation of the Republic to its ultimate collapse. The central argument of the paper stresses the dysfunctionality of the centralization approach adopted by several successive administrations in Kabul with the backing of the United States. The inquiry reveals the problems of implementation of this strategy as well as the failure of this idea in general. In terms of implementation, centralization efforts were met with widespread corruption and cronyism. A more important aspect of the problem is that the centralization strategy did not account for the diversity of the Afghan society. Ethnic coalitions struggled for power inside the country, countering the efforts of the central administration headed by the president to extend its influence beyond Kabul. These processes transformed Afghan politics into a zero-sum game rendering the whole nation-building effort ineffective. In the end, the Republic collapsed with withdrawal of the foreign presence essentially confirming the dysfunctionality of centralization approach. Currently, the Taliban relies on essentially the same strategy although being deprived of foreign aid. Whether this effort to re-assert Pashtun dominance in the absence of foreign intervention will succeed remains to be seen.

Adaptation of British English and American English Borrowings to Autochthonous Languages of Pashto and Dari

The article deals with the analysis of the linguistic and cultural adaptation of the English language and the American English as a means of global communication in a multicultural community. The aim of the research is to conduct a comprehensive language and cultural analysis of borrowed units from British English and American English into the autochthonous languages of Pashto and Dari, functioning on the territory of Afghanistan, to determine their lexical and phonetic changes in the process of intercultural adaptation. The complex nature of the linguistic and cultural adaptation of Anglicisms in the autochthonous languages of Afghanistan is due to the long process of military operations, on the one hand, and the need to focus on cooperation with European countries at the present stage of development, on the other hand. The specificity of lexical units borrowed from British English and American English, formed under the influence of globalization and the needs of modern Afghan society, is also associated with phonetic changes and linguistic and cultural adaptation of borrowed units which is dictated by the influence of the phonetic system of local languages. The research work is carried out in line with the language and cultural approach and is based on the use of linguistic, cultural and sociological methods. The research uses the methodology of content analysis, narrative analysis, and the method of linguistic reconstruction of culture. As a result of the work, the spheres of social life of Afghans are identified for productive functioning spheres of high-frequency borrowings from English and American English into modern languages of Afghanistan, this process is dictated by the influence of extra linguistic factors, the key of which is economic development and political cooperation in the period of globalization of the world community. Borrowed lexical units are the subject to phonetic and lexical transformation processes which is dictated by the specifics of the autochthonous languages majority Pashto and Dari.