Q: In a speech at the Civil Service Institute on Saturday August 7, President Hamid Karzai accused private security companies of stealing by day and terrorizing by night. Observers believe that private security companies are linked to NATO. So in your opinion, was this not an indirect accusation against NATO forces?

A: I do not want to blame anyone but I do want to ask who authorized these companies to operate in Afghanistan. According to the Constitution, government forces are responsible for protecting the country’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Operations by any private military sector is illegal.

But as a matter of fact Afghan forces are not as strong as these companies; they can accompany any type of convoy to insecure and remote areas throughout the country. They provide security for construction projects and companies in some insecure areas and place their personnel in the front lines. These companies are supported by local commanders and local officials; even the local people have contact with them.

I do not think that President Karzai meant to accuse NATO forces; he knows better than anyone else that the situation will change in Afghanistan if foreign forces leave this country.  

Q: President Karzai made these accusations right after he returned home from Iran. In your opinion, are these allegations linked to his trip?


A: I do not think so. Regional countries, particularly Iran and Pakistan, always interfere in Afghanistan and it is unacceptable for the Afghan people and the government. Therefore, NATO’s presence is vital in the current situation. I hope that President Karzai knows that no regional country can be as a good a friend to Afghanistan.

For instance, when the international community forgot about Afghanistan, it became a political playground for neighboring countries. They created the conditions for civil war as well as tribal and linguistic conflict in Afghanistan. I do not think that our neighbors are working for the welfare of Afghanistan.   

Q: You may hear that President Mahmud Ahmadinejad has suggested deploying Iranian and Tajiki forces in Afghanistan to continue the anti-terror mission and fill the gap in Afghanistan if NATO leaves. What is your opinion?

A: For me it is ridiculous. It is very strange how can he suggest such things. How can he afford such expense if it really happens? I do not know why Iran thinks that Afghans are not able to protect their own country.

Q: President Karzai adopted an anti-Western stance after the controversial presidential elections last August. But here, in contrast, he is trying to establish warm relations with regional countries, especially with Pakistan and Iran. How do you assess such changes?

A: I can see that there is a broad opportunity for political and economic relations among regional countries. I hope our neighbors stop interfering in Afghanistan and respect it as an independent state. They should follow a policy of mutual respect.


President Karzai should not create enemies in such a critical situation for Afghanistan by issuing unnecessary allegations. If he has problems with a country he should summon its ambassador or contact its minister of foreign affairs to solve problems, not to accuse it without proof. You know that Afghan people are now rapidly losing trust in their government, in regional countries and in the promises of donors. Therefore, the president must not act like a child. He should act like a mature leader. He should keep national interests and public welfare in mind when he expresses his emotions.

Q: The Wikileaks documents mentioned the interference of both the government of Pakistan and the ISI (Inter Services Intelligence) in Afghanistan; but President Karzai has reacted very cautiously. Does he need Pakistan?

A: I am surprised. It was a golden chance for the Afghan government to benefit strategically from this change in the political game, but it did not.

It would be better if the government had expressed its political stance towards this issue rather than keep quiet.

The leaks disclosed other facts about the war in Afghanistan, including civilian causalities. Government opposition who claim to defend the rights of the Afghan people should have reacted. They should have asked the West to change its policy towards Afghanistan.

Q: Why did the opposition not raise its voice in reaction to the leaks, given the president’s failure to react?

A: I think there is no strong opposition in Afghanistan. Position and opposition belong to two individuals: Karzai and Dr. Abdullah. Each one thinks about his personal benefit rather than the country’s interests. Both should have reacted in this regard.


Q: Over the last nine years the security situation has grown steadily worse. Will free and transparent elections be held throughout Afghanistan?

A: Not only is the security situation worsening by the day but also the hopes and demands of the people have been ignored for the past nine years. Even Kabul is not safe now.

There are many problems besides insecurity. Each country needs peace and political stability, and such things cannot be brought by war alone. The government should try to stop neighboring countries from interfering in Afghanistan. The government should provide better living conditions for its people. The government should provide work for the unemployed. Providing the abovementioned services plus social and economic development all depend on peace and security.

In my opinion, the elections will be symbolic. People will be given presents, food and invitations.

I think two things are now under threat in Afghanistan: the safety of the people and the growth of our newly established democracy.