By Sadiq Amini
On Jan. 13, Taiwan, backed by democratic individuals, groups and countries worldwide, succeeded to uphold democracy in the face of formidable challenges and threats posed by the semi-powerful communism and authoritarianism of the People’s Republic of China. It is time for Taiwan and president-elect William Lai (賴清德) to reciprocate. Taiwan is uniquely positioned to work with Afghan democrats and democracies worldwide, which could pave the way for democracy’s resurgence in Afghanistan.
Taiwan has always stirred feelings of curiosity and admiration among Afghans. They are majorly sympathetic toward Taiwan’s cause of freedom, independence and democracy. Afghans also share Taiwan’s resilience, yet their aspirations have been thwarted. Despite two decades of investment from the US and the international community in blood, time and resources, Afghanistan has not only lost its democracy, but also witnessed the collapse of its political system, plunging into a state of disarray since Aug. 15, 2021, that has resulted in more than 20 million women and girls being practically imprisoned inside their homes with no right to education, work, or travel and movement.
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