A coalition of prominent Afghan political figures opposing the Taliban has formed a new alliance under the name “National Assembly for the Salvation of Afghanistan.” This assembly, comprising leaders of major Afghan political parties, announced its establishment through a virtual meeting. However, all its members remain scattered across various countries, living in exile.
Members of the National Assembly: Familiar Faces
The assembly includes figures such as Abdul Rashid Dostum, Mohammad Karim Khalili, Salahuddin Rabbani, Mohammad Mohaqiq, Atta Mohammad Noor, Ahmad Massoud, Rahmatullah Nabil, Sarwar Danish, Abdul Rasul Sayyaf, and Mohammad Ismail Khan. Most of these personalities were previously part of the “Supreme National Resistance Council for the Salvation of Afghanistan,” an organization created after the Taliban’s takeover.
The formation of this new assembly raises questions about the fate of the Supreme Council. It remains unclear whether it will continue its activities or yield its place to the National Assembly.
Objectives and Vision of the Assembly: Broad Plans for Complex Crises
The assembly has outlined its goals, which include fostering unity among Taliban opponents, ending Afghanistan’s crisis, creating a modern justice-oriented national government, and restoring Afghanistan’s regional and international standing.
The assembly prioritizes constructive negotiations and a national dialogue with the Taliban under the supervision of the United Nations or other international entities. However, if the Taliban refuse to cooperate, the National Assembly plans to enter the second phase of its programs, which include:
•Establishing a transitional government in exile
•Expanding organized resistance
•Applying international pressure on the Taliban
•Planning for a national uprising
Notably, the assembly has not explicitly mentioned military action, despite some of its members, like the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan, being actively engaged in armed conflicts with the Taliban.
Can the Assembly Offer a Viable Solution for Afghanistan’s Future?
The assembly’s formation comes as Afghanistan faces one of its deepest political and social crises. The Taliban’s policies have increasingly isolated the country and left little room for opposition forces.
Yet the central question remains: can Afghanistan’s former leaders, who have regrouped in this assembly, provide a practical solution to the current crisis?
The Public’s Distrust of Former Leaders
While these political figures once wielded significant social influence, their standing has significantly declined over the past two decades. Their tenure during the Afghan Republic was marred by allegations of self-interest, wealth accumulation, and neglect of structural reforms, leading to a loss of public trust.
Following the Republic’s collapse, many of these leaders were sidelined and rendered ineffective. Over the past three years, they have failed to present any tangible or actionable plans to address the Taliban crisis. Their efforts have largely been limited to forming virtual coalitions and issuing ineffective statements.
A Need for New Leadership: Moving Beyond the Past
Afghanistan’s current crisis requires practical solutions and new leaders who can avoid repeating past mistakes. Leaders who contributed to the current situation are unlikely to provide a viable roadmap for the future.
The Afghan people expect specific, effective, and realistic plans instead of passive politics and vague promises. By redefining the roles of political leaders and reforming governing structures, there is a glimmer of hope for a better future for Afghanistan.
