Ahmad Mansoor
Last Wednesday, the 24th of Asad (14th August), marked the third anniversary of the Islamic Emirate’s triumph and the downfall of American imperialism, commemorated with great fervor across the nation by both the public and the government throughout the country. Rarely in Afghanistan’s history has a true celebration of freedom taken place—one where we can truly say we are completely free and sovereign.
Over the past twenty years, the 28th of Asad, the day of liberation from British rule, was observed by the democratic government as though they were unfamiliar with the true essence of freedom.
The presence of American forces (including British forces in the American coalition) and their servitude was seen by them as freedom, and they believed the entire nation was similarly unaware of true freedom. Yet, the people understood the essence of true liberation and stood shoulder to shoulder with the pursuit of freedom, just as they stand today in this celebration.
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s celebration of Independence Day was conducted with remarkable grandeur. They showcased their spiritual, material, political, and moral strength.
A military parade was held at Bagram, a place once known as “Little America” during the colonial era, carrying significant messages for various parties.
1. Message to the United States:
The United States is currently engaged in an electoral contest. Candidates, in their quest to deceive voters and secure their positions, are blaming each other for the defeat in Afghanistan. Recently, Trump remarked that Biden abandoned Bagram, claiming that had he been in power, he would never have left. According to him, if he were in power, he would have negotiated with the Taliban on the condition of handing over Bagram. However, it was the Trump administration that signed the agreement in Doha for the withdrawal of forces—why didn’t he make such an arrangement then?
By celebrating Independence Day in Bagram, the Islamic Emirate has dispelled any lingering hopes of fulfilling Trump’s nefarious dreams and conveyed that from this very place, your tanks and planes were futilely pursued by Taliban on motorcycles. Bagram is now firmly under the control of the true sons of this land; relinquish any aspirations of reclaiming it.
2. Message to the Puppet Administration:
This is the same Bagram where your so-called leaders would leave the Presidential Palace to meet Trump, only to be stopped in the middle of a line of American soldiers. This is the same Bagram where your officials used to salute the Americans, but today, the Taliban—those who defeated America and wrested control from them—are celebrating independence. It’s time for you to abandon your hopes as well.
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan comprehends national values thoroughly and recognizes the significance of this land. You have witnessed the extraordinary sacrifices made to secure independence.
3. Message to Neighboring and Regional Powers:
Bagram holds immense strategic significance for us; we shall not permit anyone to lay claim to it. We are exceptionally sensitive regarding foreign military presence. Diplomatic missions may be legally and procedurally acknowledged, but military presence here will never be accepted. Understand that aiding others in the occupation of Afghanistan will lead to your own downfall. We trust that you will comprehend this position.
In conclusion, the Taliban are engaging in very astute politics. By the grace of Allah, the notion that Muslims and Afghans are incapable of politics and governance has been proven false and baseless. Once, there were efforts being made to erase Afghans from existence, and today, they stand as a formidable military power. The enemy now realizes that they have been defeated and that the Taliban have emerged victorious. They can no longer achieve their objectives. The Afghans and the entire Muslim Ummah are united.
