What would you do if you were president of Afghanistan

[pashtanajan]

I’m a female, so I doubt I would be elected, but this is some of the stuff I would do if I ever were elected as the President of Afghanistan. I'm just writing it all from the top of my head.

I will try to build a proper water irrigation system so that water can be accessible to everyone in Afghanistan. In this article (http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/1828) it is stated that, “Afghanistan’s water resources are estimated at about 75 billion cubic meters, of which only 25 to 30 percent is used inside the country with more than 70 percent flowing into neighboring countries.” Therefore, Afghanistan has plenty of water to support its population. Also, a proper water irrigation system will also help with producing electricity that is sustainable, and hence more electricity will be accessible to people as well. This article also states that, “Much of the arable land in northern Afghanistan is not irrigated. Nonetheless, water from Kabul River and its tributaries, including Panjshir, Alishing, Alingar, Kunar and other rivers flow into Pakistan, Iran, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.” So, with a proper water irrigation system, I can also combat hunger and poverty in Afghanistan by irrigating arable land in Northern regions that aren’t irrigated as of yet. By doing this, many jobs will be created, and the country will have more food. I believe if all arable land in Afghanistan is irrigated then Afghanistan may even be able to support itself without any food coming from neighboring regions, since much of the arable land in Afghanistan isn’t irrigated yet. So, after all the arable land in Afghanistan is irrigated, I will decrease the amount of food coming from neighboring countries, which I believe would be beneficial to Afghanistan, because Afghanistan has an economy that isn’t on par with its neighbouring countries, so if there’s less foreign competition, then local Afghan farmers will gain more money, which will create more inside money.

For the aging population in Afghanistan that cannot afford to gain education, because by doing so they will not be able to support their family, I will build “learn and gain money on the job” technical programs funded by the government, such as agriculture, farming, making tools, woodcraft, etc. And then, for the younger population (children), I will enforce laws in which children above the age of six or five must be enrolled in schools. Therefore, children will be able to go to school, and their parents will be able to make money while learning on the job, hence these parents will no longer depend on NGOs or aid any longer.

I will also change the education system in Afghanistan by creating it more localized. For example, in areas with a heavy Uzbek population, there will be schools be more schools that offer courses with a focus on Uzbek culture, and language. By doing this, all ethnicities in Afghanistan may be able to learn about their own culture, history, and language. I will also implement a mandatory subject in all schools that will teach about all the different ethnicities in Afghanistan, their culture, and their contributions to Afghanistan. This in turn, will decrease hostility and ethnic tension between the different ethnicities in Afghanistan, and the future of Afghanistan (i.e. the children in these schools) will be tolerant towards all the vibrant and beautiful ethnicities in Afghanistan once they graduate. What’s more, I will change the school system by offering half of the courses in Dari and half in Pashto, so that children of all ethnicities will be bilingual in both languages once they graduate. I will also create special-ed courses, so that children who are handicapped or have learning disabilities will receive an education suitable for their needs so that they can support themselves once they’re older. I will also create an English compulsory subject, so that children will be fluent in English once they graduate, since English is the international language for communication.

I will also build programs that will raise awareness about drug use and programs for the prevention of aids and other sexually transmitted diseases, hepatitis and other contagious illnesses, and also methods of birth control.

I will build a engineering/doctorate/architectural fund/scholarship for very poor students who are very bright in their studies, so that they can receive free education in University. There will be literature/language courses in Pashto, Dari, and other languages around the world, but courses related to Science and Mathematics will be offered only in English. By doing this, I can bring leading professors from around the world that can teach within these universities. Therefore, these pupils in these Universities in the Science/Math departments can receive one of the best education in the world. Also, English has better terminology and words in Science and Math, so it’s a better communication/language tool in Science/Mathematics. What’s more, by having more professors from around the world, students will learn more about the international community, which is quite beneficial.

I will also try to create a stronger army with an equal ethnic population ratio, and I will also try to make a female department in the army, so females will also have a say and be protected. I will create a better and stronger border patrol so that less drugs come into and go out of the country, and also so that the amount of radical militants such as the Taliban lessen. However, I will not try to combat the Taliban as much with violence, but rather I will implement a method so that peaceful talks can occur between the Taliban and the government so that we can arrive to a conclusion where both groups are happy, because many of the Talibans are good people (not all of course, but many are poor impoverished farmers, etc. who have joined the Taliban) and many of the Taliban are orphans indoctrinated by the fundamentalist Mullahs, so I believe it's wrong to kill them. Also, to combat the Taliban problem, I would force the Pakistani government to have better border control, and I would also build special secret agents to work in the ISI and the Pakistani government so that I can understand the secret agenda of the Pakistani government and their hidden plans. So, all of this will combat the “Taliban problem”, terrorism and interference from the Pakistani government.

Then, I will hire engineers/architectures to demolish old buildings/housings in Afghanistan and create government housing for the poor. So that there will be no slums in Afghanistan and so that everyone will have a roof over their heads. I will also implement tax in Afghanistan, but put higher tax on the rich (like in Canada) and create a child program so that every child in Afghanistan will receive a certain amount of money up until the age of 18 for food and clothing. I will create a social work program, where every month social workers will attend every family in Afghanistan to ensure that the money from the child program is going towards the children, and that the children are mentally and physically well kept. Also, eventually, I would like to create a free health care program from the tax that I'd be collecting.

I will also try to create a renovation program in Afghanistan, so I will be creating highways, proper streets, and ensuring that every house has an address and every neighborhood has a postal office. I will also ensure that every Afghan has a social security number.

And, I’ll also change the constitution into a more logically based understanding of social problems. It will still be referred to as an “Islamic State”, but things such as the Islamic Penal code, and the killing of apostates will be abolished. The new constitution will follow have laws that follow Universal Rights.

People can wear whatever they want. It’s a personal matter. However, there will be laws that protect women who do not wish to wear the burqa, etc. People will also have the right to follow whatever religion they wish as long as it does not hinder anyone else's rights.

I will fund programs aimed at the discovery of minerals and oil in Afghanistan. And, I will also fund programs for the evacuation and elimination of land mines.

I will also ensure that historical sites are protected by the international community so something like the bombing of Buddha doesn't occur again.

[Admin Khan]

You gave me teary eyes, pashtana jaan! I wish Afghanistan had proper leadership.

[faye]

freeze all bank accounts of the now government, their families and cronies, might not be a bad idea also.

[randolph85]

tough question, everyone likes to talk a good game and poop on past leaders but don't have many solutions or vision of their own. ill give it a try though.


1. release all armed combatants from prisons. on the battlefield, power in numbers don't really work for afghans so releasing prisoners would be seen as a good will gesture but won't cause damage to the state. this does not mean releasing common criminals or members of non political armed gangs.

2. revamp the military into only a defense and special ops force. afghanistan is poor and small compared to our neighbors and any large power. maintaining a conventional military is pointless and expensive, we would never stand a chance against pakistan or iran when it comes to conventional warfare, let alone a superpower. our strengths are our knowledge of the terrain and guerrilla warfare, so we must play on our strengths. ambushes instead of tanks, anti air craft fire instead of aircraft, sniper rifles instead of ak's. also, indigenous crafted rpgs and the sort which will be a lot cheaper to produce at home in the long run than buying 3rd rate weaponry from abroad. these tactics have worked for untrained afghans with no money or order, now imagine how it would work for an actual military.

3. model our intelligence agency after mossad. one of our greatest strengths is our diversity. like israel does with its arabs when it comes to infiltration of arab states, we can do the same but with pashtuns, tajiks, turkmen, and uzbeks with all of our neighbors, if need be.

4. eliminate loans from all countries, only allow grants with relatively no strings attached. also, encourage investment from the future players in the world, brazil, india, china. we have to think about the future and these nations are it. unlike america, these nations are only about the $$$ so we wouldn't have to worry about the import of foreign culture along with the investments. limiting american involvement to a bare minimum is ideal.

5. for education, it will be mandatory for all children up to before college, all parents who don't comply will face a stiff penalty. id propose a teaching pashto and dari to all students. the older generations are what they are, its hard to change that so its of the utmost importance to compensate 2 lost generations with the new one. id propose field trips to different parts of the country, for example a class from kandahar travels from mazar and vice versa. sports and physical education will be mandatory for health and discipline. to discourage a brain drain from the country, i would hold some kind of collateral from a student before sending them abroad for education.

6. i would put a lot of money into cultural institutions. music, media, poetry, all the bells and whistles. this will encourage nationalism, a common identity, and will keep foreign influences away.

7. implement shariah no person will be above gods law no matter their ethnicity, tribe, political affiliation, or last name. this will have the added benefit of public support. not really shariah related, but i would ban suits and ties in government buildings. want to work for afghanistan? then look like an afghan. i don't see american congressman going into their building wearing peran tombans.

8. a balanced foreign policy based on mutual respect, closer ties with the arab world will be important in the long run. afghanistan is like political poison to the world, so nations will only want to be involved with us financially. like i stated before, india and china will be important while its best to keep russia and america away as best as possible.

9. one of the most important things is to talk directly to the people instead of at them. i would make sure to implement my policies but talk directly to the people it affects, whether it be getting a few thousand people under a tent or handing out radios to every one i can. i would tell them why i am doing what i am doing, and how i would be doing it. i would tell the stubborn tribesman why its mandatory for his kids to get an education and explain it to him in a historical context of the world, the country and our situation, for example.


there is more, but i am tired right now.

[pashtanajan]

You gave me teary eyes, pashtana jaan! I wish Afghanistan had proper leadership.

Sorry for the teary eyes. I didn't wish to make anyone cry, : (. I too wish Afghanistan had a proper leader. Hopefully, someday this wish of mine will come true.

[pashtanajan]

freeze all bank accounts of the now government, their families and cronies, might not be a bad idea also.

Yes, I heard a notable person (forgot his name, but will mention it once I remember) in the government, stole around 3 million dollars from money aimed to aid the poor and left for Dubai. I don't know what happened to him. They usually get away with this.

[Laila]

Can we be friends?

I’m a female, so I doubt I would be elected, but this is some of the stuff I would do if I ever were elected as the President of Afghanistan. I'm just writing it all from the top of my head.

I will try to build a proper water irrigation system so that water can be accessible to everyone in Afghanistan. In this article (http://www.bamdad.af/english/story/1828) it is stated that, “Afghanistan’s water resources are estimated at about 75 billion cubic meters, of which only 25 to 30 percent is used inside the country with more than 70 percent flowing into neighboring countries.” Therefore, Afghanistan has plenty of water to support its population. Also, a proper water irrigation system will also help with producing electricity that is sustainable, and hence more electricity will be accessible to people as well. This article also states that, “Much of the arable land in northern Afghanistan is not irrigated. Nonetheless, water from Kabul River and its tributaries, including Panjshir, Alishing, Alingar, Kunar and other rivers flow into Pakistan, Iran, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.” So, with a proper water irrigation system, I can also combat hunger and poverty in Afghanistan by irrigating arable land in Northern regions that aren’t irrigated as of yet. By doing this, many jobs will be created, and the country will have more food. I believe if all arable land in Afghanistan is irrigated then Afghanistan may even be able to support itself without any food coming from neighboring regions, since much of the arable land in Afghanistan isn’t irrigated yet. So, after all the arable land in Afghanistan is irrigated, I will decrease the amount of food coming from neighboring countries, which I believe would be beneficial to Afghanistan, because Afghanistan has an economy that isn’t on par with its neighbouring countries, so if there’s less foreign competition, then local Afghan farmers will gain more money, which will create more inside money.

For the aging population in Afghanistan that cannot afford to gain education, because by doing so they will not be able to support their family, I will build “learn and gain money on the job” technical programs funded by the government, such as agriculture, farming, making tools, woodcraft, etc. And then, for the younger population (children), I will enforce laws in which children above the age of six or five must be enrolled in schools. Therefore, children will be able to go to school, and their parents will be able to make money while learning on the job, hence these parents will no longer depend on NGOs or aid any longer.

I will also change the education system in Afghanistan by creating it more localized. For example, in areas with a heavy Uzbek population, there will be schools be more schools that offer courses with a focus on Uzbek culture, and language. By doing this, all ethnicities in Afghanistan may be able to learn about their own culture, history, and language. I will also implement a mandatory subject in all schools that will teach about all the different ethnicities in Afghanistan, their culture, and their contributions to Afghanistan. This in turn, will decrease hostility and ethnic tension between the different ethnicities in Afghanistan, and the future of Afghanistan (i.e. the children in these schools) will be tolerant towards all the vibrant and beautiful ethnicities in Afghanistan once they graduate. What’s more, I will change the school system by offering half of the courses in Dari and half in Pashto, so that children of all ethnicities will be bilingual in both languages once they graduate. I will also create special-ed courses, so that children who are handicapped or have learning disabilities will receive an education suitable for their needs so that they can support themselves once they’re older. I will also create an English compulsory subject, so that children will be fluent in English once they graduate, since English is the international language for communication.

I will also build programs that will raise awareness about drug use and programs for the prevention of aids and other sexually transmitted diseases, hepatitis and other contagious illnesses, and also methods of birth control.

I will build a engineering/doctorate/architectural fund/scholarship for very poor students who are very bright in their studies, so that they can receive free education in University. There will be literature/language courses in Pashto, Dari, and other languages around the world, but courses related to Science and Mathematics will be offered only in English. By doing this, I can bring leading professors from around the world that can teach within these universities. Therefore, these pupils in these Universities in the Science/Math departments can receive one of the best education in the world. Also, English has better terminology and words in Science and Math, so it’s a better communication/language tool in Science/Mathematics. What’s more, by having more professors from around the world, students will learn more about the international community, which is quite beneficial.

I will also try to create a stronger army with an equal ethnic population ratio, and I will also try to make a female department in the army, so females will also have a say and be protected. I will create a better and stronger border patrol so that less drugs come into and go out of the country, and also so that the amount of radical militants such as the Taliban lessen. However, I will not try to combat the Taliban as much with violence, but rather I will implement a method so that peaceful talks can occur between the Taliban and the government so that we can arrive to a conclusion where both groups are happy, because many of the Talibans are good people (not all of course, but many are poor impoverished farmers, etc. who have joined the Taliban) and many of the Taliban are orphans indoctrinated by the fundamentalist Mullahs, so I believe it's wrong to kill them. Also, to combat the Taliban problem, I would force the Pakistani government to have better border control, and I would also build special secret agents to work in the ISI and the Pakistani government so that I can understand the secret agenda of the Pakistani government and their hidden plans. So, all of this will combat the “Taliban problem”, terrorism and interference from the Pakistani government.

Then, I will hire engineers/architectures to demolish old buildings/housings in Afghanistan and create government housing for the poor. So that there will be no slums in Afghanistan and so that everyone will have a roof over their heads. I will also implement tax in Afghanistan, but put higher tax on the rich (like in Canada) and create a child program so that every child in Afghanistan will receive a certain amount of money up until the age of 18 for food and clothing. I will create a social work program, where every month social workers will attend every family in Afghanistan to ensure that the money from the child program is going towards the children, and that the children are mentally and physically well kept. Also, eventually, I would like to create a free health care program from the tax that I'd be collecting.

I will also try to create a renovation program in Afghanistan, so I will be creating highways, proper streets, and ensuring that every house has an address and every neighborhood has a postal office. I will also ensure that every Afghan has a social security number.

And, I’ll also change the constitution into a more logically based understanding of social problems. It will still be referred to as an “Islamic State”, but things such as the Islamic Penal code, and the killing of apostates will be abolished. The new constitution will follow have laws that follow Universal Rights.

People can wear whatever they want. It’s a personal matter. However, there will be laws that protect women who do not wish to wear the burqa, etc. People will also have the right to follow whatever religion they wish as long as it does not hinder anyone else's rights.

I will fund programs aimed at the discovery of minerals and oil in Afghanistan. And, I will also fund programs for the evacuation and elimination of land mines.

I will also ensure that historical sites are protected by the international community so something like the bombing of Buddha doesn't occur again.

[pashtanajan]

Can we be friends?

Anyone who wishes to be my friend already is one,

[JAMALUDEEN]

I'd turn Afghanistan into a progressive society by establishing communism.... and force everyone to hate their religion... so then there is less terrorism..and live in England myself..and rule from there.

[Badlun]

If I were the president of Afghanistan then I would
1. Make religion a private matter and not any one to impose his or her religion on others and make politics, economics, education, culture and society independent of any religion.
2. Taliban will only manage mosques and will not be rulers or governers. Hujra and Jumat will be completely separated. Only specialists will deal with their departments and religious bandidts will not interfere in other spheres of life except religious matters.
3. Afghan parliament will be supreme. Judicialry will be independednt and religion will not interfenere in law and jurisprudence. Judges will eb appointed instead of mullas to judge.
4. Corruption will be eradiacted completely. Merit will rule and rule of the law will be made law of the land.
5. Cultural and ethnic diversity will be teh basis of pluralism and democracy. Pashtunwali will be protected as an institution but all other ethnic groups will lead their lives according to their cultural or social models.
6. Afghanistan will be made as a modern , developed state with strong defence system having excellent regional and international relations. Commerce and trade will eb encouraged with neighbours and other countries.
7. Education and health will be given priority in budget allocations and education will be completely secular while families may educate their children religiously at their homes.
8. Afghanistan will not blame others for its problems but will take benifit from the aid and support of others to build it self a great country. After eradicating terrorists all foreign forces will asked to leave the country once and for all.
9. Poverty will be wiped off. Business community will be supported. Modern tax ssytem will be introduced. Zakat will be declared just a religious duty not a tax. Afghanistan will be made a modern welfare state on the models of Norwey or Canada.
10. Sectors like agriculture, industries, services, banking will eb further strenghtened. Tourism will be encouraged. Deforestation will be stopped. Sustainable development will be the target.