Afghans Muster Unity for First Post-Taliban Independence Day

A nation struggling for unity managed a convincing display of it Monday at Independence Day observances, Afghans’ first since the Taliban was booted out of the country.

Flanked by aged former monarch Mohammad Zaher Shah and warlord-turned-Defense Minister Mohammed Qassim Fahim, President Hamid Karzai told an estimated 30,000 people assembled at an outdoor stadium that the nation’s youth are the key to Afghanistan’s salvation.

“You, Afghanistan’s boys and girls, are our future hope. And never forget that we owe our current independence to the martyrdom of a million of your brothers and sisters,” Karzai said, referring to the Afghans who died in 23 years of war that ended with the Taliban’s defeat.

Thousands of youths assembled according to the sports they participate in--including judo and boxing, bicycling and weightlifting--paraded before Karzai, the ex-king and Cabinet members. Also in attendance were thousands of women, whose presence at such celebrations was forbidden by the Taliban.

“I feel happy and proud because this year we can participate in this glorious day and we are no longer confined to the corners of our rooms,” said onlooker Sherzad Aqela, a schoolteacher.

The sight of the three leaders sharing the reviewing stand was meant to reassure the nation that its chiefs are united as it embarks on a reconstruction effort expected to last at least 10 years.

Afghanistan’s economy is shattered, and much of its infrastructure--including roads and telephone service, electric power and water service--has been obliterated. Afghanistan is one of the poorest countries in the world, with a low life expectancy and a high rate of infant mortality.

The postwar period has also been marked by violent clashes among various regional militias led by rival commanders or warlords.

The former king returned to Afghanistan from Italy earlier this year after 29 years of exile. In June, on the eve of a nationwide tribal gathering known as a loya jirga, he announced that he did not want any formal role in the new government, paving the way for Karzai to become chief executive until elections planned for 2004. There was widespread speculation at the time that Zaher Shah had acted under U.S. pressure.

Fahim, the principal military leader of the victorious Northern Alliance, called a news conference Saturday to rebut published reports that he and Karzai were at odds. He insisted that he is a team player eager to help lead Afghanistan toward stability and security.

After Vice President Haji Abdul Qadir was assassinated in July, Karzai replaced his Afghan bodyguards with U.S. Special Forces troops. The killing hasn’t been solved.

Politics seemed beside the point Monday as many Afghans relished their national holiday. Despite the struggle ahead, many appeared happy about the freedoms that have been restored to them.

“People feel liberated from a very bad time of cruelty and oppression. I saw some horrible things under the Taliban--women being beaten in public for wearing dresses that showed their ankles, which I will never forget,” said government employee Ahmed Wali. “So this is a day to feel proud. Freedom is beautiful.”

Ali Shah Khan Mazlumyar, who represented Helmand province at June’s loya jirga, said: “Last year at this time, I was in exile and there was a lot of fighting and bloodshed. Now, with God’s grace, we are living in peaceful conditions.”