Afghanistan Is No Exception.
By Ahmad Saidi, analyst on Afghanistan and regional affairs (Switzerland), especially for Sangar
With apologies to my informed and conscientious friends and readers, I must state that what I write today is neither gentle nor ceremonial. This time, I am compelled to write firmly, plainly, and without embellishment, because the pain of our society cannot be cured with overly literary and soft expressions.
We are all aware that in recent times, national and international media have been actively discussing the crime committed by an American capitalist named Jeffrey Epstein, who, later—this human-like being with inhuman traits—took his own life. This event has far-reaching humanitarian and human-rights dimensions and has profoundly shaken public opinion.
According to published reports and analytical assessments, this case is not limited to the actions of a single individual. It is claimed that many powerful and wealthy figures were directly or indirectly connected to this case—an issue that indicates that the roots of such tragedies may extend far beyond one person and should be examined within the broader structures of power and influence.
Unfortunately, such events are not unprecedented in the history of politics and capital; contexts in which influence and wealth often create the conditions for abuse and the disregard of human values. An examination of these cases shows that weak oversight, hidden complicity, and a lack of transparency can provide fertile ground for the recurrence of such catastrophes.
Even more horrifying is the fact that a large number of underage girls became victims of abuse—a reality that strikes the conscience of every free-minded human being and underscores the urgent need for serious and impartial investigation. Alongside the emotional dimension of this tragedy, attention to its legal and structural aspects is of fundamental importance.
Nevertheless, confining this issue to a single country would be an incomplete approach. If, with honesty, courage, and transparency, similar cases in other countries—including our own land, Afghanistan—are also examined, there is no doubt that bitter yet enlightening realities will come to light, capable of laying the groundwork for fundamental reforms.
Historical experience has shown that concealment, silence, and excessive caution in the face of those in power not only fail to solve problems but also create the conditions for their repetition. Therefore, the time has come for such cases to be addressed without discrimination, without regard for power and wealth, and based on justice and the rule of law—so that even a small but effective step may be taken in defense of the victims and in strengthening public trust.
