31 August with a different meaning in 2021

Malaysia celebrated Merdeka last Tuesday on 31st of August. Coincidentally, it was another significant date in where I am at the moment. They have had a number of significant dates being free from oppressors over the years and 31 August 2021 was the latest of their struggles and tragic history. Malaysia is indeed very lucky in her 64 years of independence that we never really had a dampering crisis that tore the country apart literally. What had happened since 2018 is too miniscule compared to Afghanistan. They have been fighting all their might in the last 40 years. The unfortunate effect is very catastrophic to their mental well being for their proud tradition and civilization.

I was supposed to leave Afghanistan too on 31st of August as planned. Though things were uncertain since the 15th (the collapse of the Afghanistan government) but the expectations of how things would be bloody and messy did not happen. This was certainly a surprise to all especially the Afghans themselves. Being on the ground with functioning working people, it has been very eye opening experience to have an insight of what common Afghans want. I can tell you that its just the same like any other individual in the world. Nobody wants war and dysregulation of the society. Nobody wants unclear future for the next generation. Nobody wants to be isolated from the world. Its about family, national pride and overall wellness. We are all humans. We are all the same with the basic tank that needs to be filled. 

So when will i be leaving this land of the Pashtuns? At the moment nobody can give me the timeline nor answers. Its a very complicated situation at the moment. Taliban 2.0 is certainly doing the steps "by the book" to make themselves legitimate and recognized by the world. A feature perhaps surprised the present global powers who are definitely suspicious of their proven past. The world then must show their compassion and maturity to uphold the principles of "real" human rights and impartiality. It is definitely interesting times ahead. But this no government situation is Afghan for the last 2 weeks is not good too! It is for this reason that I am not able to exit as planned. 

I guess the next time we say "Merdeka" in Malaysia, we really have to dive deep to ponder, do we really appreciate what "Merdeka" means. :)