Habibullah Hakimyar, the son of Gulbuddin Hikmatyar, has recently presented an analytical and historical perspective on the legitimacy of the Taliban’s political standing in comparison to traditional governance frameworks worldwide. This analysis could have profound political and social implications for Afghanistan…
In a message shared on his social media platform, Hakimyar referenced various historical instances from around the globe. He discussed concepts such as the divine status attributed to certain rulers in the Japanese Empire, the idea of the ‘Son of Heaven’ in ancient China, the deification of Pharaohs in Egypt, and Julius Caesar’s god-like persona in Rome. These comparisons illustrate the historical intertwining of political power and religious sanctity.
Hakimyar believes that the sentiments observed in the current political discourse surrounding the Taliban reflect a historical perspective, wherein obedience to rulers is not merely a political obligation but is viewed as a religious duty. He argues that this perspective has gradually transitioned in the modern world, particularly following Europe’s medieval experiences, to a framework that emphasizes popular consent and electoral legitimacy.
In another part of his message, Hakimyar emphasized that the continued emergence of a new form of legitimacy in Afghanistan contradicts contemporary social and intellectual realities and is likely to face significant resistance and backlash. He suggests that this form of legitimacy not only lacks alignment with the needs and desires of the Afghan people but also exacerbates the ongoing crisis in the country.
Hakimyar also criticized the Taliban’s approach towards science and technology, noting that the group’s current stance echoes historical periods marked by fear of knowledge and limitations on community access to education. He considers this outlook a serious obstacle to Afghanistan’s progress and development.