This year the Shiite anniversary of Ashura and that of independence fall on the same day. The first recalls the martyrdom of Hussain Ali, grandson of the Prophet, in Karbala; the second the official birth of the country in 1919. “Independence from whom?” the Afghans laugh bitterly, alluding to neighboring countries dictating the law. “It would have been better to stay under the British or the Russians.” A painful regret for a people who define themselves as free. Ashura, on the other hand, is a very heartfelt celebration for the Hazara community (the ethnic group with oriental features).
Diary from Kabul: the fear of Western dressing
by Alberto Cairo
Every year, for ten days, processions of cars with flags pass through the city, arches covered with black cloth are erected in the streets and special prayers are offered in the mosques. That this year, for the first time in a long time, Ashura does not see bloody attacks, is a source of relief. Yet processions and celebrations are more modest than usual. This time the fear is not for the bombs but for the arrests. Since many Hazara males were soldiers in the army and many women in politics or visible on social media, they fear greater and more severe reprisals. Possible, given that for many Sunni Pashtuns (the Taliban majority), the Shiites are almost heretics to be punished.
Discriminated, the Hazaras have suffered for centuries. Relegated to a group from which to draw low labor, it was the communism of the Eighties that gave them the first opportunities. Extraordinary workers, disciplined and quick to learn, it is no wonder that many have made careers. Inexcusable thing for other ethnic groups. I remember the reaction among the employees when I appointed R., a Hazara woman, as chief physiotherapist. Sacrilege! I asked who they would entrust their mother to if she needed treatment. They admitted that R. was the best, all right, but ethnicity! I didn’t give in.
Diary from Kabul: “In the deserted streets there is only fear and pain”
by Alberto Cairo
“Every society wants pariahs – says bitter Chaman Ali – in Afghanistan it was our turn. “In recent days, in the photos of the passengers on the evacuation planes, I noticed quite a few Hazara: they will be a gift for the country that will welcome them, I have no doubt. Speaking of evacuations, at the airport thousands of people try to leave. All entrances are blocked, the chaos unspeakable. To those who are really at risk due to their working past, there is a sea of people trying their luck, making checks and departures impossible. “The country has no future “, many repeat to me. What would I do in their place?
Alberto Cairo is the head of the Physical Rehabilitation Program of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Afghanistan
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