Q: Why the Osama and Talban were held responsible immediately after the September 11th terrorist attacks.

A: Osama bin Laden was wanted by America for his involvement in Tanzanian killings. While he was already considered responsible of terrorist attacks in America. Under the same allegations America And U.N had imposed economic sanctions to pressurize the Talban to arrest Osama. And to put pressure on Pakistan government the economic aid was linked with arrest of Osama and creation of broad based government in AFGHANISTAN. Because of this economic sanction and with the efforts of Pakistani government there were three distinct groups among Talban. But due to the superiority in numbers of armed men belonging to Al-Qaida and AQ economic support to Talban, the Talban were restraint to kick Osama out of Afghanistan. The killing of Ahmad Shah Masood on 9th of September to two Arab militants was also linked to AQ. Ahmad Shah Masood was the only war lord who could have helped Americans very effectively in their attack on Talban after September 11th attacks.

Q: Is it possible to arrest Osama and main leaders of Talban?

A: Look, it is not difficult to arrest a man Osama who weight only 55-kilo gram. Its also not difficult to capture Kabul and Mazar Sharif.(The interview was conducted before the seizure of Kabul and Mazar Sharif).America has a long planning in the area. America also wants to taught a lesson to the Northern Alliance that without the American support NA neither conquer the Afghanistan nor it can maintain it. America also wants a strong base in Afghanistan to keep a check on China and Russia. The differences can also be seen among Talban. A moderate group under the leadership of Foreign Minister Wakeel Ahmad
Mutwakl also exists. He was not seen publicly for some time. From the province of PAKTIA, the local tribal lords despite the opposition of Talban, AQ network and the main base was destroyed. In the area of Organ the supports of Hamid Kargi has kicked AQ and Talban out of their area. Because of bombing and the fear of killing the people are asking AQ leave the area or migrating themselves. It shows their reservation among the masses and there are differences among Talban. Because of loosing Mass support the retreat of Talban is a real possibility.

Q: Would the new set up after Talban defeat would be a strong one?

A: Even if the Talban are not fully defeated, a faction of them under foreign pressure can join the new set up. While another faction with the support of AQ can join the Guerilla war. In future, a broad base government comprising of moderate Talban and Pashtoons is quite possible. For this a formula for 240 people (120 Pashtoons and 120-non Pashtoons ethnic alliance) has already been unearthed. In next few days the meeting is going to be held in Turkey To settle the features and representations of the next government. A large number of tribal elders are participating in this meeting. Ex governor Jalal Abad is also participating in this meeting. However there is no question of stable and long lasting government. The enforced set up with or without Zahir Shah will look after the interest of America not the interest of Afghan people. This proposed set up is also not acceptable to the countries of the area.

Pakistan has its own interest and he wants to defend them. However we are of the view that Pakistan rulers and Intelligence agencies will not be able to provide the same monetary or military aid for Talban guerilla war as provided in the past. However the Pakistan will make it sure that its interest be secured. In Iran, the supporters of Raza Shah are considering the return of Zahir Shah as return of Monarchy and due to this reason the Iranian Government considering the new set up under Zahir Shah as a threat for it and supporting the Talban setting aside all its past differences.

So the future government will not be able to solve any single problem of Afghan masses nor it will be a representative government. It will generate contradiction inside and outside. This will be a dependent government, which will not be strong or able to maintain peace. This government will only defend the American interest and these interests are profit from the export of oil. The oil pipeline will not pass through Iran because this route is very expensive, the most possibility is that this will pass through Pakistan but the profit will go in the pockets of Americans. There will be a very little benefit to Pakistan and Afghanistan. So Pakistan wants to become a gate way to central Asia and this objective will not be fulfilled. Pakistan can change its present strategy.

Similarly in Afghanistan the expectations of the tribes are not fulfilled they can opt for civil War. The Poppy production can also become a focal point of contradiction between America and local Tribal leaders.

It is also clear that America does not trust Pakistan. The Pakistan intelligence agencies are also not able to provide concrete information, which could lead to massive successes in short span of time. After the fall of Najib-Ullah government in 1992 the America gave a Pakistan a free hand. In return Pakistan promoted terrorism. This time America will not give the Pakistan a free hand. On this point there could be tension between Pakistan and America.

Q: What is your party point of view in the new set up?

A: Our party does not support any imposed set up in Afghanistan. This new set up will defend the American interests. The problem of Afghan people will not be solved by them neither it is their agenda. Former King Zahir Shah’s talk of election and transitional government is a deception. Because of ignorance and mass murder, the Afghan may consider Zahir Shah as an alternate but they will come out of this deception very soon The grand son of Zahir Shah, Mustafa Zahir and grand daughter Humera Wali are active for the restoration of kingdom. It is possible that the Zahir Shah and the new set up with so-called election process are “elected”. But this will be a sheer deception. Through these elections it will not be the genuine people representations but the American stooges who will be elected. American will not tolerate its opposition to come into power.

Since 1964, our party is opposing Zahir Shah. His and other governments have killed hundreds of our party comrades. We can not set aside or forget our party martyrs. We will do our best to expose this fraud and we will strengthen the class movement to establish a genuine government of Afghan masses. Although, several groups are supporting Zahir Shah, considering him the lesser evil. This will be a big mistake. Our party cannot afford that. We are fighting a dual war and we are hopeful that the victory will be of poor Afghan masses.

Translation from Worker Struggle Weekly, Lahore, Pakistan
By Tariq Iqbal Bhutta