America At War:
Northern Alliance
With Haron Amin
Northern Alliance Spokesman
Thursday, Nov. 29, 2001; 2 p.m. EST

With assistance from U.S. warplanes, the Northern Alliance has managed to swiftly takeover many of the major cities in Afghanistan. As the Alliance continues to push south representatives from the group are meeting in Bonn, Germany with other Afghan factions to discuss the fate of a post-Taliban Afghanistan.

Northern Alliance Spokesman Haron Amin will be online to discuss the war in Afghanistan as well as the U.N.-sponsored talks in Bonn Germany.

The transcript follows.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

New York, N.Y.: First I wanted to just say you have done an awesome job representing the Northern Alliance as a spokesperson. Three quick questions:
1- Are you guys the "United Front" or the "Northern Alliance?" What is the difference with these two names?
2- Long term, what sort of government do you hope and expect for Afghanistan (some sort of "western-style democracy", a military dictatorship, a theocracy, etc?)
3- What do you think of the possibilities for democracy in the near term in Pakistan and Iran (your two main neighbors), would it help your cause if there was democracy in those two places, and what can the USA do to help democracy succeed in these 3 countries?

Haron Amin: Thanks. We have good team work. The United Front is the official name. The NA name was created in Pakistan by the media and due to the geographical location of our forces, have been adopted since.

Washington, D.C.: Dear Mr. Amin,
I will probably not be either the first or last to ask this question, but no clear answer has been give to this point, in my opinion. While it certainly seems the case that the Northern Alliance-controlled areas of Afghanistan are not imposing oppressive restrictions on women, it is well-known fact that the Alliance's record with respect to the treatment of women is quite mixed. Specifically, I refer to the fact that sexual violence was quite widespread during the period when Alliance forces governed Afghanistan before Taliban rule. What is the Alliance and what will the Alliance do -- specifically -- to protect women's rights to education, economic independence, and safety? Is the Alliance including women in its prospective roster of important government positions? Thank you.

Haron Amin: It is very important to put 1992-96 in perspective. Rockets rained on the city, as many as 600 a day. Electricity was cut and disorder was created. During this long period of fighting, all Massoud could do was to prevent Hekmatyar from attacking the city. Clearly the objective was to defend the people. Albeit the destruction of more than 60 percent of the City, women constituted more than 50 percent of civil servants, medical doctors, teachers and students. Remember destroying is easy, but rebuilding requires much more time. We are committed to the rights of women under our 1964 Constitution, which allows women not only the right to school or education, but also for them to elect themselves to office. Massoud was very much committed to the restoration of rights of women. That is our stance today. But we need global encouragement and support, because females constitute more than 55 percent of Afghan population.

Virginia: What steps will the emerging post-Taliban government take to eliminate Afghani production of opium? There will be a large temptation for some in government, to be frank, to purposely "look the other way" in exchange for some of the proceeds from opium trafficking. How will this form of official corruption be dealt with?

Haron Amin: When we controlled Kabul (1996), production of opium never exceeded 500 tons. Much of that was used for medicinal purposes. By 1999, the total Taliban production rose to 4,600 tons. We know it will be difficult to fight drug trafficking in Afghanistan. But the phenomenon is fresh and I believe we can counter it. We need global commitment and cooperation. One way would be alternate crop substitution. Though for the local farmer it may sound less lucrative, but the incentive of peace would change their minds.

Bethesda, Md.: Greetings. Educated people in the world recognize that the Northern Alliance has an equally violent past as the Taliban, especially toward the Pashtun people. What assurances can you give the world that, in a post-war scenario, your forces will not revert back to the old ways of terrorizing the Afghan people? It will be a tragedy to see a repeat of past mistakes, no? Thank you.

Haron Amin: The UF/NA since 1992 has always had Pashtun elements. In the 1992 administration, more than 50 percent of the government were all pashtuns. Even as we speak now, 4 out of the 11 delegates from the United Front in Bonn are Pashtuns. We strongly believe our Pashtun brothers should be proportionally represented in the future.

Virginia: What is the best case scenario as you see it for the Northern Alliance? What is the worst case scenario?

Haron Amin: The best case scenario for the NA is to fulfill the wishes of our leader Ahmad Shah Massoud: peace, rights of women, progress and elections.
The worst would be to derail from above and try to monopolize power.

Silver Spring, Md.: It seems that Afganistan is not so much a nation as a collection of armed groups that are forced to live within a geographic boundary and that don't particularly like each other. Do you think there is a realistic chance that the various groups can agree to put their violent history aside and form a government that reflects the will of all Afgans and can allow future transfers of power by peaceful means (i.e., elections) rather than armed struggles?

Haron Amin: Think of the 30 years war. Seventy-five percent of German population perished. Think of the US civil war. Afghanistan has been at war for the past 23 years. We are not talking about ordinary war, but rather in the context of the Cold War, producing the first Soviet defeat since 1917. And then, it was abandoned. Certainly, the situation may look chaotic. But remember that modern Afghanistan was founded in 1747. It joined the League of Nations in 1936. It joined the UN in 1946, when there were only 55 or... states. There was much development and progress in place. But I can tell you that when left alone, we can come together. We need the world to facilitate us the kind of talks...in Bonn. That's all. Also, the internationalization of Afghan politics, the cessation of Pakistani interference, war fatigue and the desire by the Afghan people to unite--are factors to be noted. We hope they can guide us to work for the futre.

Texas: Have you felt any less safe since becoming such a prominent and outspoken supporter of the destruction of the Taliban and al Quada network?

Haron Amin: It crosses my mind that something may happen to me. But I strongly believe God protects. The most important thing is that the right things have to be stated. At the time, when I started, I just wanted to share my thoughts with the media, help define my people as oppressed by the Taliban and the Al-Qaeda and to assist them. I think I have done that, and help to liberate my country.

Rochester, N.Y.: What material assistance have you received from India during the last several years? Has that included military assistance?

Haron Amin: The United Front/Islamic State of Afghanistan--as a legal government and recognized by the UN--has every legal obligation and every legal right to purchase arms to defend itself and the people of Afghanistan against the tyranny and reign of terror by the Taliban and the Al-Qaeda. India, among many others, in turn wanted to have relations with the UF/ISA, which we welcomed. We would've wished that the United States at the time felt likewise.

Arlington, Va.: Thank you for coming on line and for competently representing the United Front. A recent report discussed the harrassment by bandits of those transporting goods into Afghanistan from Pakistan. Given that the transport mafia played a role in the rise of the Taliban --
1. Is the term "mafia" a fair one?
2. Has the UF or the negotiations in Bonn considered the need to provide security for traders?
3. Would it be reasonable for UF to provide security on these routes through Pushtun lands?
4. Would the UF be willing to consider a multinational force to provide security in these regions?

Haron Amin: After years of war, many Afghans are unemployed. We have just liberated Afghanistan. It will take some time to get everything in order, including addressing the problem with bandits. The issue of security is the most important. The Bonn talks are extremely significant. We hope they will address these issues of concern.Hopefully with the presence of multinational force, that situation could be further alleviated.

Somewhere, USA: How would you say the Bonn, Germany talks are proceeding?

Haron Amin: Talks in Bonn are extremely significant. The outcome will be paramount. I can only say that I personally have much hope in these talks. The delegates are discussing important issues.

Niles, Ohio: All I have to say is that you men are doing a great job over there in Afghanistan against the fight of terrorism. How much longer do you estimate until you catch Osama bin Laden?

Haron Amin: Hopefully by Christmas. I think the 55th Brigade (Osama's own lieutenants) will get to him before we do or any body else does. The ultimate objective is that men who harbor such evil thoughts must be eliminated.

Philadelphia, Pa.: How will you handle Pakistan?

Haron Amin: Pakistan needs to stop preying upon Afghanistan. Our relations needs to be pivoted on mutual respect and good neighborliness. We welcome their cooperation and in return they should also cooperate. Such relations will be reciprocal on numerous fronts. Otherwise, instability in the region will exacerbate insecurity, undermine confidence building and definitely erode economic opportunities. We have never invaded Pakistan or trained a proxy force to do that. I wish Pakistan could say the same. Now that Musharraf is on board with the international community, the world needs to help him overcome the threat of Taliban and to stop supporting proxy forces in Afghanistan.

Harrisonburg, Va.: How behind the Northern Alliance is the United States? How behind the United States is the Northern Alliance?

Haron Amin: I strongly believe that a common cause united the United States (US) and the United Front (UF). There was no cooperation before then. We want long-term US engagement and cooperation, to ascertain a smooth transition towards democracy and development. For our part, we will do our utmost to help the US achieve its objective(s) in Afghanistan.

Herndon, Va.: We've heard some stories, true or not, about attrocities committed by the northern alliance, and I'm wondering why we should trust them anymore than the Mujahedin we backed in the 80s who morphed into the evil taliban. What do you say to someone who asks you for assurances?

Haron Amin: Human rights organizations have written thousands of pages on the Taliban and at best maybe 10 pages on the UF/NA. You have to look at what happened in the past. We are committed to overcoming human rights violations in Afghanistan. Local acts of reprisal shall not implicate the UF/NA.

New York, N.Y.: After the Taliban are gone, how much anit-Americanism will there be in the South?

Haron Amin: All people of Afghanistan, including the Pashtuns see America as a liberator. Hence, there will not be hatred. I think the American role in the reconstruction campaingn will help overcome the fear you have, if it exists at all.

Virginia: Do you plan on returning to your country after the bombing and fighting stops?

Haron Amin: I am already planning on returning. My superiors are saying No. I hope that won't be the case in the futre. My dream is to work in Kabul, from where I want to invite thousands of Afghan-Americans and also Americans to go to Afghanistan and help people of Afghanistan rehabilitate, reconstruct and repatriate.

Bethesda, Md.: Mr. Amin,

How can a democratic constitution in a new Afghanistan survive if, as a culture, it continues to treat its women and girls with violence and oppression? What do you think will need to happen to protect women and girls?

Haron Amin: The new constitution will guarantee the rights of women. We have fought for the rights of women for the longest period. It was a key element on our slain leader's agenda. We will make sure that females can play their equal role in society, the composition of civil society and the future administration. With the active role of women--as equals--no repatriation, reconstruction and rehabilitation of Afghanistan can take place. With peace at hand, you will see much change.

Philadelphia, Pa.: Sir, what will be the policy of new government vis-a-vis Pakistan which has interfered for so long in Afghan politics and helped the Taliban come to power?

Thank you.

Haron Amin: As long as Pakistan does not interfere, it will be based on mutual respect and good neighborliness.

Silver Spring, Md.: Greetings Mr. Amin,
Would it be safe for me as a white, male, American to take a trip to Kabul now? I have often wanted to visit Afghanistan but due to the Soviet occupation and the severe laws of the Taliban I decided to wait. Since America has helped free Afghanistan from the clutches of the Taliban I feel I should be well received. I do carry pepper spray on my belt so I should be able to discourage any pro-Taliban Afghanis from bothering me while walking the streets of Kabul. Your thoughts?
Thanks for your time.

Haron Amin: Wait a little longer. Hopefully in the near future, you can go. I hope at the time I will be in Kabul, to welcome anyone who wants to visit us.

Orlando, Fla.: How soon will reconstruction in Afghanistan begin? With all the pictures I see of the refugees, it seems that there are a lot of people to get back into homes.

Haron Amin: Hopefully by March 21, 2002, which coincides with the new Afghan year.

Mr. Amin: You are doing a wonderful job, your country should be very proud of you. I wish for your country and people peace and happiness.

Haron Amin: Thank you very much. This victory belongs to all of humanity.

washingtonpost.com:

That wraps up today's show. Thanks to everyone who joined the discussion.

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