Afghan Student New-s

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON FEBRUARY-MAt cH 1965 Shamal Addresses Middle East Students Pazhwak Sends Inspiring Message to Young People Attending 11th ASA Meet Among the chief speakers invited to attend the 11th Annual Convention of the Associated Students of Afghanis- , tan in the United States was H. E. Abdul Rahman Pazhwak, Extra-ordi­ nary Representative and Ambassador of Afghanistan to the United Na­ tions. Although His Excellency was extremely interested in being present and addressing the Convention, a pre­ vious official engagement prevented him from doing so. Afghan Student News, therefore, takes this opportunity to present Mr. Pazhwak's message to the Convention. In sending this message I am reminded of the last annual convention of the Af­ ghan Students Association of America Mr. Shamal, representing the Associated Students of Afghanistan, addresses the meeting when I had the great pleasure of being­ of the Middle East Student Associations at Middle East House in Washington, D.C. able to be with you in Williamsburg. I Flanking Mr. Shamal are members of the Executive Committee fl/ the Pakistan wish to take this opportunity to thank Student Association and the Organization of Arab Students in the your President, Mr. Haffizullah Amin, for United States. (Cont. on Page 2) More American Wheat Afghanistan's Creeping Democracy Shipped to Homeland by A. Latif Hotaki Some 22,000 tons of American wheat reached Peshawar and Chaman Ask any "expert" on Afghan affairs about democracy in Afghanistan and the first of this year, according to a he would "expertly" enlighten you by a qualifying statement such as this, report in Kabul News. "Well, it is a democratic society in principle-that is to say on a tribal An official of the Ministry of Fi­ level-but on the national level there is something to be desired and probably nance is quoted as saying that the it will be decades before the Afghans will have any bill of rights, free press, wheat arrived in two shipments-the free and unfraudulent national elections and perhaps even that is too opti­ first amounting to 10,000 tons, the mistic an estimate." second to 12,000. I might have agreed with these im­ of the Afghans is not only incom­ These shipments, the official said, ported or home-grown varieties of ex­ patible with the wishes of the present are a part of the 100,000 tons of perts yesterday, but I'm not so sure Royal Government of Afghanistan, wheat being supplied under the terms if I agree with them today, ' and I which has accepted the request of an of an agreement previously reached might disagree with them even more American motion picture producer to between Afghanistan and the United vigorously tomorrow as I do believe film the story on location as is, but States. fervently in the democratic spirit of also quite incompatible with the First all Afghans and their yearnings to Amendment to the Constitution of A group of women teachers, to­ be a free people. A case in point is the United States. In the opinion of gether with ten men teachers from the appalling suggestion, made to the the author, Afghanistan definitely does provincial schools, left Kabul the first 11th Annual Convention of ASA by not send its impressionable youth to of the year enroute to the Philippine one of our American friends, as to the United States in order to be in­ Islands. They will tour educational the censoring of the movie produc­ stilled with reactionary thoughts such institutions in the Philippines for two tion Caravans based on the novel of as curtailing the freedom of press months. The trip was arranged by the same name by James Michener. and expression. It is particularly un- USAID. This approach concerning the affairs (Cont. on Page 4) l~~_____.../'------'-----~- PAGE 2 FEBRUARY-MARCH 1965 AFGHAN STUDENT NEWS

Woolen Mill Increases AFGHAN STUDENT NEWS Published bi-monthly throughout the academic year by the Output Over 500 Per Cent Associated Students of Afghanistan in the United States of America. Production at the Woolens mill in The Afghan Student News welcomes articles, constructive criticism, and other con­ Kandahar has increased from 36,000 tributions from its readers. Please address all correspondence to the editor at the to 200,000 metres by the end of the address listed below. second year of the second five-year ABDULHAY KAYOUMY, EDITOR development plan, according ta a re­ University of Washington, Department of Economics cent report in the Kabul Times. Seattle, Washington 98105 The administrative director of the mill said that with some improvements and the completion of two projects, the mill has succeeded in increasing its Let's Have Your Comments, Please annual output from 36,000 to 200,000 We have to date presented two issues of the Afghan Student News to our metres. He said that with the comple­ tion of the third project, production readers. Reactions have varied from expressions of appreciation of our humble at the mill will be boosted further. efforts to severe criticism of them. Woolen textiles and piecegoods pro­ To those who have appreciated our efforts we say "Thank you," and to duced at the mill include serge, blan­ kets, and suiting. those who have criticized us we offer this quotation from Voltaire:-"We may not agree with what you say but we will unto death protect your right to say it." Pazhwak1 s Message Your representative committee welcomes and encourages you wholeheart­ (Cont. from Page 1) edly to send your articles, letters, and comments to Afghan Student News, his kind invitation to attend the conven­ regardless of whether they are complimentary or derogatory. You may be tion, and also to have the privilege of being one of the speakers. I sincerely assured that the political and social colorings and shades of your contributions, regret that unavoidable obligations in the with which the editor of the Afghan Student News may or may not agree, will service of the United Nations have made it necessary for me to be absent from my in no way inhibit their publication. Each individual writer is assumed to up­ office and also from this country, and hold one fundamental principle at least; that is to say, he must assume only therefore unable to be with you today. Nevertheless, my warmest wishes are himself responsible for his ideas and have the courage of his convictions to extended to you for the success of the defend his ideas against any attack and criticism that might be launched against convention. I am confident that the ex­ change of views in this convention will them from whatever source and origin. not only be beneficial to the students themselves, but will have a great impact on the formation of opinions and ideas which will be of great significance in the A Message From the President exploration of the real and major prob­ Dear Friends: lems of our country as well as in the Once again, on behalf of your ASA/USA Executive Committee, I send solution of them. The theme of your convention has im­ my deepest and personal regards and wish you a very happy new year. pressed me deeply, and I congratulate Since my last letter, I have received many constructive criticisms which you on your choice of "The Role of Af­ are guiding us toward success and improvement of ASA/ USA. We are ghan Youth in the Building of a Modern Nation." very grateful for these contributions of deep and sincere interest. I also On September 9, the Grand National have received many letters suggesting the reduction of the membership Assembly of Afghanistan will assemble fee. We are fully aware of your financial problems. However, it is an to discuss a new constitution. I hope that imposition for your present Executive Committee members to deviate you have in your records my words of from the ASA/ USA Constitution. We have already requested that some last year, which were so closely related to the new developments that have re­ of the experienced active members draft a revised constitution which sulted in a new constitution exactly one will then be passed through a review committee and presented at the year from that date, and also in the Grand meeting of our 12th annual convention. theme you have chosen for your present convention. Therefore, I feel that I am We, as Executive members, feel fully responsible to serve you and the continuing a subject on which I have al­ ASA/USA to the best of our ability. Our primary objective is to raise ready made a start. enough funds to enable us to pay you a large amount of your traveling (Cont. Next Issue) expenses to and from convention sites. Therefore, if we match our mem­ Radio Afghanistan has accepted with bership fee to the amount that we will receive back, then I am sure that thanks a gift of taped music and ed­ we will welcome this opportunity to give financial support to our associa­ ucational programs from the Austral­ tion and make this association the best in the USA. ian Broadcasting Corporation. Radio Once again, I appeal to you to cooperate with your Executive Committee. Afghanistan had previously presented a number of tape recordings of Af­ Sincerely yours, ghan music, with a view of introducing Afghan music to listeners of that coun­ 4/d;{~~, try, to Radio Australia. AFGHAN STUDENT NEWS FEBRUARY-MARCH 1965 PAGE 3 Pakhtu Language Group Lovely ASA Secretary Afghan Is First Foreign Recommends Long-term Student to Head VC's Program to Committee lntern'I Relations Club The second meeting of the Cultural The honor of being the first foreign and Press Committee for developing student ever to be elected president of and propagating the Pakhtu language the International Relations Club at was held in January under the chair­ the University of California in Santa manship of Mawlana Irshad, Chief of Barbara has been given an Afghan the Department of Public Guidance, student, G. Farouq Sharif, son of an in the Ministry of Press and Informa­ Afghanistan diplomat. tion. - According to Sharif, the purpose of The meeting resolved to recom­ the club is "to introduce as many for­ mend that the Ministry of Education eign students to America as possible, establish an Art Department in the and thereby to promote the exchange College of Letters with the purpose of of social and cultural ideas." teaching principles of writing novels A senior economics major, Sharif and stories. Emphasis was placed on has lived in Baghdad and Rome, as incorporating short stories and fables well as in the United States. He speaks into revisions of the Pakhtu textbooks Afghan, Italian, and English :fluently, for high and middle schools. and a smattering of Arabic. He be­ The Committee also recommended lieves he has learned much from all that the Ministry of Press and Infor­ the countries in which he has lived. mation appoint a Committee of au­ The essential differences he finds lies Jamila Aimaq thorized persons entrusted with the largely in their cultures. Iraq, he says, task of selecting foreign language is rich in ancient eastern history, Italy Lovely Miss Jamila Aimaq this year overflows with ancient western history, works of literary and artistic merits holds the responsible position of sec­ for translation into Pakhtu. Regarding and the culture of the United States, retary to the Afghan Students Associa­ he feels, typifies that of a young coun­ the long-term program of developing tion. and propagating the language, the try. Committee expressed the view that the Miss Aimaq was born in Kabul, Af­ FolJowing completion of his studies, system of work and establishments of ghanistan, on April 5, 1944. She grad­ Sharif will return to his homeland. the Pakhtu Academy should be re­ uated from Zerghouna High School "I believe," he said, "All foreign stu­ viewed so that an Academy with a in 1961, and then journeyed to the dents do have an obligation of serving greater scope of activities could be United States where she spent one year their country. In Afghanistan we are established for this purpose. attending Abbot Academy, a girls' trying desperately to improve our life high school in Massachusetts. She en­ and ~mr living, so I am hoping to go tered the University of California at home and be useful." Robber Rumors Unfounded Los Angeles in the autumn of 1963. A sociology major, Jamila hopes Declares Colonel Ahmad to enter graduate school after she His Majesty Inspects Rumors of masked robbers who have receives her bachelor's degree and 4ir Units in Jalalabad been making trouble for the people continue working toward a master's His Majesty the King spent New of Kabul are completely unfounded, degree in this field. Year's morning inspecting air trans­ according to Colonel Abdul Ahmad, port and air defense units in J alalabad, Commandant of Security Forces of preliminary to their taking part in Kabul Province. France Honors Afghan exercises with a unit of paratroops. He added that so far the Kabul po­ Ambassador A. Seraj Present were General Abdur Razak, lice have received no information on Commandant in Chief of the Air theft or criminal activities to prove the The Government of France has con­ Force, and Air Defense Lt. General involvment of disguised thieves. ferred the "Order National Du Merite" Mohammad Asif, Commandant of the "In case such robbers do exist, in­ upon Ambassador Assadulla Seraj of Air Force; Major General Mohammad dividually or in a group, it is the re­ Afghanistan. Kasim, Military Commandant of Nan­ sponsibility of the police to prevent The presentation was made at a fare­ garhar Province, and Lt. Colonel Has­ them and put a stop to.the disturbance well dinner which was given in his san, Commandant of the Transport of individual and city security," Colo­ honour by the French Minister of For­ Unit. nel Ahmad said. eign Affairs at the Ministerial Palace. Seraj, the former Afghan Ambas­ Hamiddulha Saraj, president of the Mohammad Ali and Paiz Ahmad, sador to France, has been appointed Central Office in the Royal Afghan two students of Kabul University, left Ambassador to Iran. Embassy, Washington, D.C., recently Kabul in December for the Soviet Un­ The Afghan Ambassador also gave returned to his home in Afghanistan. ion to study irrigation engineering a farewell dinner at the Embassy in Afghan Students in the United States and petroleum chemistry respectively. Paris during December. Guests in­ wish to extend to him their sincere They have been awarded Soviet gov­ cluded high-ranking French officials thanks for his relentless efforts to help ernment scholarships. and members of the Diplomatic Corps. them in every way he could. PAGE 4 FEBRUARY-MARCH 1965 AFGHAN STUDENT NEWS

ternal passport-from the time when Creeping Democracy he had to go from Kabul to Kanda­ har during a high school vacation (Cont. from Page 1) institutions from the highest to the in 1944. welcome (regardless what the long­ lowest. When the war was over in 1945, range plan of our friend might have somehow the government of Sadar A Tangible Step Forward been) at a time when His Majesty, Hashim Khan conveniently forgot to King Mohammed Zahir Shah, is in­ The first tangible step towards this lift the strict security measures im­ itiating radical but favorable changes end was the promulgation of the first posed while it was in progress. As a necessary to cope with the needs and written constitution formulated in result of these unnecessary arrange­ aspirations of his loyal subjects. Fur­ 1923 under the reign of His late ments, the people began to be restless. thermore, the President of the United Majesty King Amanullah. It was Tension was mounting and revolt was States, Lyndon B. Johnson, in his also amended under the same ruler brewing in the countryside. His Maj­ message to the students which was in 1928, at which time the formation esty got wind of the inconveniences read by one of the convention par­ of a Legislative Assembly, emancipa­ imposed on his loyal subjects and ticipants, Raymond Pagan ( officer in tion of women, discarding of the veil, replaced the prime minister Hashim charge of Afghanistan Affairs at the and other progressive measures were Khan; with him went most of the Agency of International Develop­ included. The reactionaries and the repressive measures ( 1947) . ment), said that the United States uneducated expressed unfavorable "fully supports" His Majesty's pro­ sentiments towards these progressive Fundamental Freedoms Established grams and referred to Afghanistan as measures and with covert foreign in­ Shah Mahmud Shazi was appointed a place where "traditions of democ­ trigues, the country was plunged into as the next prime minister. In spite racy are rapidly developing." civil war. This was unbearable to the of the fact that he was a military enlightened patriots and after nine History of Early Afghanistan man, he was one of the most liberal months of disorder His late Majesty and progressive prime ministers Af­ In order to understand and possibly Mohammad Nadir Shah, the beloved ghanistan has ever had. He ventured explain the present democratic renais­ father of the present monarch, re­ to establish fundamental freedoms of sance on the highest national level, a turned from Europe and established thought, speech, press, peaceful as­ short survey of the history of modern peace and order once again. He re­ sociations, and even the formulation Afghanistan and the factors that vised the Constitution and created a of political parties. Previously, all shaped the Afghan destiny, particu­ National Assembly and a Senate com­ publications were government owned larly since the War of Independence patible with the needs and sentiments and controlled, but practically over­ in 19-19, is imperative. of the people. It is to his credit that night, three papers owned and pub­ Since the dawn of modern Afghani­ one can say he was among the most lished by the people-Watan (Home­ stan in the early part of the eighteenth pragmatic of all Afghan monarchs. land), Nida-I-Khalq (Voice of the century, the national leaders have After his tragic death in 1933, his People), and A ngar (Imagination or been elected by the populace by ac­ son, the present king, continued to fol­ Fire )-sprang up. Student unions clamation through Jirga. Ahmad low in his footsteps. were formed and soap boxes were Shah Abdali, the first ruler of the During the last thirty years of the erected in "strategic areas." The the­ Durranis, was proclaimed sovereign "semi-Machiavel1ian" approach to the atre treated the audiences to political by his people in the best Afghan tra­ affairs of the Afghan people, with a satires, and free elections for the dition of democracy, as were his three short recess in the early 1950's, many Members of the House were held. All Ghilzai predecessors, Mir Wais, Mir tribal leaders were rendered politi­ political prisoners were released. The Mahmud, and Shah Ashraf. cally impotent and many a potential Afghan writers began to throw light From the empire building of Ah­ group was alienated. on the hidden forces which shaped mad Shah ( cc 1776) to the middle the destiny of the nation at this time. of the nineteenth century, Afghani­ Uneasy Years of World War II They wrote exposes of the "untouch­ stan went through many a historical During the uneasy years of World ables," the infallible corrupt officials; upheavel, division, subdivision, and War II, the nation maintained a pru­ and, as did early American journalistic mutation until the Afghan Empire, dent silence in regard to the affairs crusaders, championed the rights of which extended beyond the Oxus and of state and left the government to the common man. Indus Rivers, diminished to the king­ exercise complete control over do­ dom of Kabul which included Kabul mestic and foreign policies. Even These measures were very well re­ and the immediate provinces around it. though Afghanistan was not involved ceived and satisfied the democratic When the Afghans found a new in war, the government had to ration yearnings of the people for awhile. ruler in the person of Amir Abdul foodstuffs and other materials and the But to the chagrin of the populace, Raman Khan (1880 A.O.), the ideal­ people of Afghanistan, for the sake no sooner had they begun to enjoy istic and moralistic among them were of the country, accepted it. The peo­ the taste of this fruit, democracy, than shocked by his Machiavellianism; ple even had to go so far as to put a group of paranoiac patriots such as however, the realists of the nation up with the strict travel regulations one finds in all societies, resorted to had a great deal of respect for the imposed by the government for rea­ the old, abominable technique of man even though democracy suffered sons of national security. For in­ spreading hate and fear between the another set - back. Khan's great stance, an Afghan national had to government and the people. The Af­ achievement was the re-unification of have a little passport with his photo­ ghan-Pakistan relations were at an all­ the nation which helped to pave the graph on it to move from one part of time low during this period, and an way for what we are about to witness the country to another. The author armed conflict was imminent. These today-democratization of Afghan still maintains a souvenir-the in- (Cont. on Page 7) AFGHAN STUDENT NEWS FEBRUARY-MARCH 1965 PAGE 5

Ministry of Agriculture Distributes Equipment To Balkh Farmers The Kabul Times reported in Jan­ uary that the Ministry of Agriculture has decided to allocate 100 agricul­ tural machines, which have been im­ ported at the request of agriculturists in Balkh Province. Distribution will be made as follows in accordance with the terms of the Agricultural Bank: 66 pieces of ag­ ricultural equipment will be allotted to I •Kq. I/ farmers in Balkh; 17 to the agricul­ J .J 4-:i W '~..J- ~ l~J J 1,J= ..i-... ,fl ~ 1-:- tural farms of the Ministry in Kabul and the provinces; seven to the Nan­ garhar Irrigation Scheme; two to the Sugar Refinery, and eight to the clients with whom agreement was reached previously. The machinery includes ploughs, disc-harrows, seeders, cultivators, and trailers. An official of the Ministry said fur­ ther that the machines will be sold against indemnity bonds on a five-year installment basis at cost price. Similarly, instructions have been is­ sued to the technical departments of the Ministry in Kabul and Balkh prov­ inces to provide the necessary know­ how and technicians to aid purchasers in learning to drive and use the ma­ chines and their attachments. Workshops of the Ministry will handle all repair and maintenance of Ma iwa nd Says Statistics Court Sentences Two machines, and spare parts have been acquired in ample quantities. These Center to be Established For Murder of Climbers are available in the warehouse of the Agricultural Bank's Balkh office and Sayyed Mohammad Maiwand, Di­ The Badakhshan court of appeals can be purchased against cash. rector of Statistics and National In­ sentenced one person to death and The Ministry has also launched a come in the Ministry of Planning, another to life imprisonment following two-month training course for the Kabul, attended the Conference of their conviction on charges of mur­ farmers at Balkh. The official repre­ Statistics of the ECAFE Area in Bang­ dering two German tourists. sentative concluded his statement by kok recently. The two-Walter Strauss, 21, ·and pointing out that mechanized agricul­ On Maiwand's return home, he is Erzin Rinkl, 29, were killed August 9 ture will be introduced by the Ministry quoted as saying that the Afghan del­ when traveling in J orm district of in other provinces after the present egate's proposal asking for the estab­ Badakhshan. project is well under way. lishment of a Training Centre for the The court has sentenced N asrullah ECAFE Area statisticians in Afghan­ to death and Hakim-By to life im­ istan was agreed to by the Executive prisonment. The latter has been con­ Secretary of ECAFE provided, how­ victed of complicity in the murders. The Textile Company at its annual ever, accommodation is procured in The primary court of J orm had sen­ shareholders' meeting in December Afghanistan. tenced N asrullah to life imprisonment decided that dividends at the rate of Similarly, decisions were passed to and Hakim-By to sixteen years in 5 per cent should be distributed. Mr. assist Afghanistan in compiling basic prison. Zambuli, president of the Board of statistics on national income, com­ The public prosecutor of the prov­ Directors, delivered a speech in which merce, agriculture and employment, ince appealed the case. Both the ac­ he thanked the government for co­ Maiwand said. cused have appealed to Supreme Court Maiwand also took part in the La­ in Kabul and the court is now con­ operating with and removing the dif­ bour Group meetings of ECAFE. sidering their cases. ficulties confronting the company. PAGE 6 FEBRUARY-MARCH 1965 AFGHAN STUDENT NEWS A Note on Afghan-Soviet Relations cording to Marxian philosophy, as it by Dr. Z. A. Eltezam dominates Soviet minds, politics is "the most concentrated form of eco­ EDITOR'S NOTE: Dr. Eltezam endeavors to point out in the following article the nomics, its generalization and conclu­ fact that, in spite of any amount of aid given by the Soviet, the people of Afghanistan, sion," and these two disciplines ought by reason of cultural and ethnical differences, could never accept the Soviet doctrine. to be fused together. This is why the Soviet politicians determine the na­ Afghanistan has about 1200 km of boundary with her northern neighbor, tional economic activities. In Afghan­ the U.S.S.R. Moreover, a significant degree of cultural ties and ethnical simi­ istan, on the contrary, politics and larities exist between many people of northern Afghanistan and those of Soviet ec_onomics have always been distinct Tajiskistari, Turkmanistan and Uzbekistan, since a large portion of these states from each other. While major politi­ was once part of the Afghan Empire. At the same time, friendship between cal decisions come from the top, major our country and the Soviet Union has been both historical and strong. The economic decisions find their roots U.S.S.~. was the firs~ country to recognize our external independence at the among the populace. True, in the co1:cius10n of the Third Anglo-~fghan War, and is perhaps the only country last decade Afghanistan has embarked upon central economic planning, but which has vehemently and effectively supported us in our dispute with Paki­ one should note that on the one hand, s~an over the fate of our Pashtun brethren. Not only has the Soviet government economic planning has now been given us arms, transport routes, tech­ widely accepted by a great majority history of the country should warn nical and economic assistance at times of nations as a pivotal means of ac­ us against such assumption." when we needed them the most, but celerating economic development, and But assumptions of this type, and its offers have also been quite generous on the other hand, economic planning hasty and precarious conclusions and without string attached. Ever in Afghanistan is not a substitute for therefrom, which are so common in since 1955, with the first visit of Mr. the private sector as it was the case the Western press, and which are Khrushchev and Mr. Bulganin to Af­ with the Soviet Union, but rather it either by-products of skepticism or ghanistan, we have received over $400 is aiming at building the basic infra­ due to ignorance about the nature and million in aid with remarkably easy structure which is now lacking, and characteristics of Afghan people, are terms ( at less than 21h percent in­ which is necessary for the future although unwarranted, they may -be terest, and mostly payable in soft development of the private sector. currency). The U.S.S.R. has also damaging to Afghan interest. An at­ In fact, it can be reasonably sug­ opened a large market for our exports tempt is made in this note to correct gested that due to the advent of rising (primarily for wool 40% of which the general misinterpretation of Af­ expectations, chronical inflation, in­ and cotton 80% of which are an­ ghan-Soviet relations, and demonstrate creased demand for national defense nually sold there); and meanwhile she that no observation as yet supports in the face of political dispute with · has been the supplier of many stra­ the influence of the Soviet Union in Afghanistan despite her phenomenal Pakistan, and demand for more ; r te.gic commodities such as petrq\eum schools, hospitals, courts, roads etc., . products, chemicals, capital goods economic and technical assistance to because of the growing population, the and etc. to Afghanistan. Recently a the latter. This can be done by por­ strength of the planned part of our large number of students are also be­ traying the striking dissimilarities economy should be greater than it is ing sent to the Soviet Union to study which exist between the two countries with respect to their ideologies, poli­ now. Even in the U.S.A. which is science, and at the same time, a size­ supposed to be the symbol of the able Soviet labor force is working side tics and economics. capitalist camp, the role of the gov­ by side with Afghan workers in build­ . In the_ first place, Soviet ideology ernment is more dominating than in ing our country. These points and IS Marxian dialectical materialism Afghanistan. While American gov­ while Afghan ideology is Spiritualism'. still many more, which have been re­ ernment spends billions of taxed dol­ In the Soviet Union a man with re­ peatedly stressed by the officials of lars on such programs as old age both countries in many occasions, illu­ ligion is looked down upon, and in benefit, emergency relief to the desti­ strate the intimate relationship which ~fghanistan a man without religion tute, unemployment compensation and exist between the two nations. IS frowned upon. According to Soviet direct farm subsidy, none of these Unfortunately, many people, most­ philosophy (Marxism), Religion is the have as yet been the concern of our ly from the West, by observing this "opiate of society," and should be government. In the U.S.A. in normal intimacy, have drawn baseless con­ done away with, and according to the peacetime, government expenditures clusions that Afghan sovereignty may Afghan view ( Islam), one should seek range between 20 to 25 per cent of be jeopardized by her so much involve­ the ideal life through Religion. the total national income, and in Af­ ment with Russians, and as Dev Mu­ In the second place, the U.S.S.R. ghanistan, public expenditures are rakra points out: "there is (even) a is a republic established through revo­ less than half of these figures. tendency among many people to write lution, while Afghanistan is a mon­ off the country in the Communist archy and is becoming increasingly A marked distinction also exists be­ camp." (See Eastern World, June, stable and immune to revolution. In tween Afghanistan and the Soviet 1961, p. 18). But, as Dev Murakra the Soviet Union the Communist Union concerning the system of own­ writes, "this is a mistaken view if it Party is the initiator of all major di­ ership. Land in Afghanistan is neither means that the Afghans will barter rectives, and is the only lawful party, to be nationalized, nor is it to be away their freedom for Russian aid while in Afghanistan communistic worked cooperatively. In the U.S.S.R. or under Russian threats. The whole teachings are outrightly illegal. Ac- (Cont. on Page 8) AFGHAN STUDENT NEWS FEBRUARY-MARCH 1965 PAGE 7

in the government, His Majesty au­ Creeping Democracy thorized the Minister of Education to inform the Afghan students who were (Cont. from Page 4) are with you during these years when studying in foreign countries. These "paranoiac patriots" mostly capital­ you are preparing for your future re­ students somehow made their weight ized on the deteriorating dispute be­ sponsibilities and activities in the ser­ felt in Afghanistan, perhaps because tween Afghanistan and Pakistan over vice of our country." The newly ap­ many offered any suggestions they may the future of the Pushtoons living be­ pointed prime minister, Dr. Moham­ have had concerning the improvement tween the two nations, the unfortunate mad Yusuf, in his message to the Con­ of governmental affairs, which, inci­ consequence of which was the banning vention said: "Your country is dentally, is quite unique in the annals of the free press, disbanding of the greatly interested in your education, of Afghan governmental history. The student unions, the elimination of soap for the building of the homeland de­ recommendations were seriously con­ boxes, and various other undemocratic pends directly on the quality and scope sidered in the deliberation of the measures. Supporters and apologists of your knowledge ..." Grand National Assembly (Loya Jirga) for these coersive policies cried that In 1959, the right of equal op­ which approved the new constitu­ national emergency demanded a cur­ portunity for women was conferred so tion of which His Majesty, in his mes­ tailment of certain basic rights. True that they, too, might take their right­ sage to the 11th Annual Convention patriots would give anything for their ful place along with their men in of Associated Students of Afghanistan country at such a time; so the people building a modern society. in the United States, assured the stu­ of Afghanistan bowed again in sub­ dents of the importance of the new mission and maintained the usual Progress Not Always Smooth constitution by saying: "We shall prudent silence while following their The author does not pretend to have the prerequisites for the kind of government's lead in coming to grips say that all of these positive measures democratic society in which the en­ with international developments which followed a steady and uniform pattern lightened youth of the country will affected the Afghan national security. of progress. Far from it; every step have to shoulder great responsibili­ forward created further problems ac­ Economic Development and Education ties ..." centuated by old and new obstacles, The concessions, so called, that This time, under a dynamic pre­ threats, and challenges. One of the were made by the Yahya Kail fam­ mier, Mohammad Daoud, the govern­ old obstacles, of course, was the con­ ily, in the person of His Majesty the ment put more emphasis on the eco­ ceit of certain members of the ruling King and his cousin, in the formula­ nomic developments and extended un­ c1ass who underestimated the poten­ tion of a new and liberal constitution paralleled educational opportunities tialities of the ruled who had been and the Bill of Rights are a gratifying for the people through free public building up pressure for ten years indication of His Majesty's concern education. During Premier Daoud's without the guaranteed safety of let­ about the citizens of Afghanistan, and office (1953-63) more students, both ting off steam once in awhile. A new of their living in harmony and peace, men and women, were sent abroad crop of intellectuals challenged the and cooperating with his Majesty's for higher education than at any time people to directly participate in the government in the social and eco­ since the first plan for the higher affairs which affected them, their fami­ nomic development of the homeland education of the Afghans in countries lies and their country, and thus fitted along democratic principles. with democratic institutions was in­ into the scheme of things the vast The important amendment made itiated by His late Majesty Amanullah majority who wanted to be counted by the delegates to the new Constitu­ in 1925. King Amanullah's main as­ and to be in the middle of current hap­ tion was designed to keep members piration was to better prepare youth penings rather than on the sidelines. of the royal family from joining po­ for the service of the Motherland. In addition, the intelligencia saw litical parties. The Associated Press It is interesting to note with what through the facade of those who in reported that the Assembly also voted passion King Amanullah put his point reality were only interested in main­ to make it impossible for members of across to Lowell Thomas, the famous taining the status quo but used the the royal family to renounce their American journalist and commenta­ "National Security" bit to "clam" the titles and enter politics. As it stands tor, when Thomas asked Amanullah people. It was quite clear that the now, the new Constitution is in effect, Khan what his educational plans were government had said "wolf" once too the parliament is dissolved, and the for the Afghans. Thomas, in his often and the people did not make transitional government is ruled by book Beyond Khyber Pass, writes: any attempt to hide their feelings. royal decree until October 14, 1965. "He (Amanullah) put an affectionate At that time the first parliament will His Majesty Looks to the Future hand on Mahmud Tarzi's shoulder convene on the basis of the new elec­ and said, 'My father-in-law and I have Realizing all these factors, which toral law which authorizes political devised a scheme whereby a succes­ if taken collectively are the barom­ parties for the first time in Afghani­ sion of students shall leave Afghani­ eter of public sentiment, the reigning stan's colorful history. It is evident stan every year to study in Paris, Ber­ Yahya Kail family, who dominated that the dramatic history of the na­ lin, and elsewhere so that we shall the Afghan political scene for over tion has had constructive influence in have a body of our own young men thirty years, decided to make a peace­ inspiring the leaders in the formula­ ready to exploit our coal, iron, oil, and ful transition of power. Consequently, tion of a new and liberal Constitution. gold in due time!' " His Majesty prevailed upon Premier The maturity of the nation that Compare this with another patriotic Mohammad Daoud (His Majesty's responded so favorably to the dy­ fervor as expressed by His Majesty cousin) to resign and His Majesty namics of social evolution, and the King Zahir Shah in His Majesty's appointed Dr. Mohammad Yusuf, a lessons learned from history are good message to the 11th Annual Conven­ commoner, to form the new govern­ indications that democracy and the tion of ASA in USA-"Our thoughts ment. Immediately after the change (Cont. on Page 8) PAGE 8 FEBRUARY-MARCH 1965 AFGHAN STUDENT NEWS

A Note on prises has grown significantly. But Afghanistan to Get Over this trend has not resulted from So­ Afghan-Soviet Relations viet influence. Rather, it was the re­ $7 Million Aid from UN (Cont. from Page 6) sult of an attempt made by Abdur­ The United Nations Special Fund rahimzai, once the minister of finance about 98. 7 per cent of the total land has allocated a sum of $7,178,200 for in the former prime minister Da'oud's belongs to the State ( the remaining different projects in Afghanistan, Ka­ cabinet, to apply Turkish "Etatism" portion constitutes the private plots), bul News reports. in Afghanistan, by which he was im­ and a significant part of which is F. N. Alefi, the director-general of pressed while studying military science the liaison office in the Ministry of given to the collective farms (kulk­ in Turkey some years ago. huzy ) in perpetuity. Yet, neither in Planning, said that the larger part of It should be clear by now that the past nor in the present does one this money, together with the funds these differences in various spheres sanctioned by the government, will be find in Afghanistan the cooperative of life between the two nations indi­ arrangements such as taz, artel, or spe!1t on land and hydrological sur­ cate the absence of Russian influence veys. communes, which in one time or the on Afghanistan. While Afghanistan, other existed in the Soviet Union. The A part of the funds will also be like many other developing nations, is utilized for developing the teacher­ future chances for such arrangement eager to learn and adopt as much as are quite remote. In the northern training academy, the school of tele­ possible the better productive tech­ communications, and for surveying the part of Afghanistan where people may niques which are constantly being de­ be in close contact with the Soviet Hazararjat highway. veloped in the more advanced nations Alefi added, Kabul News continues, republics across the Amu Darya, there including the U.S.S.R., she is by no is no question of pressure on the land, that in addition to these funds, Afghan­ means affected by political manipula­ istan was also benefiting from other and therefore no question of collecti­ tions, if any at all, by these countries. vization. In the areas around Kaboul international projects of the special In fact, the Soviet Union like the fund for training Afghan personnel, where land is extensively tilled, and U.S.A. has been very sincere toward an increasing shortage of land is now such as the Organization for Economic Afghanistan, and it is realized that Development in Bangkok and the pro­ being feJt, people are, to a large ex­ Afghans have always had their own tent, untouched by the current of So­ gram for controlling locusts. He went outlook on life, and are determined to on to say that the UN Special Fund viet progress news which is broad­ keep it. cast from Samarkand and other sta­ would, hopefully, also assist in further tions, and which may otherwise be in­ developing the housing program .and ducive to the audience. the veterinary school. Nor are state farms (suvkhosy ~ comm on in Afghanistan. There are A report received in January from some government-owned farms, but Bajawar in Northern Independent to be sure, they are few, small in size, Pakhtunistan notes that recent jirgas and specifically designed as experi­ mental stations for the improvement of of Utmankhail tribe, held at Arung crops (such as the one in Kunduz Val­ and Ch~enagai, decided that the tribe ley), and for the improvement of live­ will continue its struggle for Pakhtun­ stock (such as the one in Kaboul, Ali­ istan's freedom and prntection of their abad). While the contribution of territory at all costs. The jirgas also these stations to the national product, quantitativewise, is negligible, the reaffirmed all resolutions passed dur­ share of the Soviet suvkhosy" in the ing the previous meetings, and reit­ total agriculture output is significant erated their determination to continue (about 10 per cent on the average). the fight for the right of self-determ­ In the Soviet Union all capital ination. means of production are owned by ~he State. With the exception of some consumer cooperatives, producer co­ operatives and cooperatives for dis­ abled persons, which are collectively AFGHAN STUDENT NEWS owned by some groups, all enterprises Department of Econom.ics are operated by the government. Fi­ University of Washington nancial institutions too, such as the Seattle, Washington 98105 State Bank ( Gosbank), the Investment Bank (Stroibank) and the saving banks, are government agencies and the concern of the Soviet Council of Ministers. In Afghanistan most of the industries, such as sugar, textile, export, electric, etc., as well as the banks (save the Da Afghanistan Bank) have been private concerns, al­ though in the recent years, the gov­ ernment's direct interest in these enter- JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 1964 AFGHAN STUDENT NEWS Page 3

NATIONALISM - schools to religious and language differences, it is quite (Continued from Page 2) probable that Afghanistan can develop a strong national understanding and feeling of coorperation for the progress In Dr. N ajibullah 's words, the only real force which has of the nation. brought all Afghans together is the national feeling, or The army is very well handled by the Government. Afghan nationalism. There is no doubt that such poten­ Young people from different language, religious, provin, tial nationalism still strongly exists in every individual of cial, tribal and family backgrounds go into service to, the Afghan nation. They face any foreign threat with gether for two years. They live •. nd wcrk together, and a very stubborn and rigid national unity. understand each other very weli. I hope that the gov, Two Elements Present ernment will be able to· extend thi.3 compulsory service to The other significant aspect of Afghan nationalism is all parts of the country. It can definitely be said that the conformity for the advancement of culture and im­ the army is an important cohesive force in the country. provement of life for the Afghan people. Two kinds of Communication Improving elements play a role here. They are, in Louis Dupree's Improving and expanding means of communication, words, diffusive forces and cohesive forces. Diffusive such as newspapers, radio, telephones, etc., and transpor, elements are: racial, linguistic, religious, provincial, kin, tation facilities, such as highways, buses, planes, etc., are ship and tribal. R acial conflict exists in Afghanistan, very effective in bringing all Afghans into closer contact, for the nation consists of two main races, H azara or M on, instilling feelings of nationhood. goloid and white or N on-M ongoloid, who are not H azara. Another inspiring element is the growth of good feel, Cultural facilities have not been equated between these ing and of actual inter-marriages between different ethnic two races. As the H azaras are a minority group, they groups in Afghanistan. Thi'.-; already exists and might he have been deprived of equal cultural opportunities m more effective if it were furi:he:· encouraged. comparison to Non, Hazaras. The development of politi.:::i.l parties will be one of the Pashto and Persian are the two national languages in most important cohesive elem,~,:-:tr, for the progress of our Afghanistan, and there are some people whose native country. With the development of the new constitution, tongues are Turkmani and Ozbaki. Antagonistic feel, advocated by the government, political parties will be al, ings have existed between these groups: P ashtoons, a lowed to be estctblished. Thes~ parti.es will concentrate Pashto speaking people, and Farsiwans, Persian-speaking on national unity, substitutin:; ideologies rooted on na·· people, in particular, are subject to conflicts rooted in tional unity for rresent diffmive forces. The attitudes their linguistic backgrounds. and ways of dunking of the people will be directed toward M ore than 99 % of Afghanistan's people are M oslems. economic, social arcl practiol possibilities for the coun­ There are two sects of Islam, however, the Sunnite and try's progress. I feel sure that all parties will work to the Shiite, which are quite often in conflict with one an­ defeat diffusive and destructlve forces in the society. I other. am highly optimistic and these parties will bring very Provincialism is another diffusive element in Afghanis, hopeful changes to our :;oci:::.ty. tan. The people of each province have special prejudices The force of educated youth has been proven in scores concerning the people of other provinces and special and of countries all over the world. As youth are educated extreme favor for the people of their own province. more and more, at home ,'..nd abroad, they cannot tolerate Nepotism Strong diffusive elements within their nation. The more youth Nepotism is quite strong in Afghanistan, and has caused are educated, the more these ekments are weakened, the much separation among the people. It is a very effective, more the nation grows in t.:ni~y. The abolition of all de­ divisive force in the Afghan nation. structive and diffusive ~iemcn~s in any nation is propor, Tribal feeling is a strong deterrent to the advancement tional to the involvement of educated youth in the process of the nation. Quite of ten, heated conflicts arise be, of change in the national life. tween the tribes. Loyalty to the tribe is still a potential Chanaes never come without causes, and educated b . divisive element in the effort for national progress. youth are always one of t he mo;t important causes ot sc, Diffusive elements have been aggravated by many im, cial changes. They know that ther,~ are many prosperous perialists, expiating for personal interests and seeking and advanced nations in t\c world with many ethnic power, in the past 150 years. These people, groups and groups. They are and must be ~~'l e fir.:: t progressive ~roup nations have tried to maintain diffusion ir1 the Afi;bn na, which discards any kind of diftusive element and rndus, tion, and to promote their own unrighte,)us . ends. D_es, triously works for natioml unity and the establishment pite their vicious endeavors, we of the Afghan n:i.trnn and strengthening of a n::i.ticmal united front. have been able to live side by side in brotherhood as be, r:evolent countrymen. In Afghan cultural advancement, the cohesive eln11ents ASA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE are education, army, means of communication and trans, portation, inter-marriage, political parties, and educated MR. H. AMIN, President MR. NABI, Acting Vice-President youth. . A. Primary education is compulsory under the C r; nst1tu, MISS FATEMA MAYNAHYAR,, Senetary tion. But in practice it is compulsory where schooh are MR. MAHMUD SOMA, 'freasurer a.vailablc. If education is provided for all children, if MR. M . Y. NASSIMI, Editor of ASA's Yearboo~ the curriculum emphasizes national unity, if adult educa, MR. M. H. RAZI, Editor of the ASN tion projects are undertaken, if attention is paid in the