The Afghan Affair

 

 

I was enjoying a cup of coffee while conversing with Sarlashed and Sithara, two young female medical students from Afghanistan. As we spoke, an Afghan student passed by and cast a disapproving glance at the girls, who were freely engaging with me without head coverings. Sarlashed, a westernized Afghan who spent her childhood in West Germany, expressed her disdain for the fundamentalist Islamic regime in her home country. She lit a cigarette from her Rothmans packet and remarked on the uncertain future of Afghanistan, declaring her intention not to return after completing her medical degree, as she plans to migrate to the West.

It was 1986, and the Soviet troops were in Afghanistan. As we heard, the Soviet troops were facing a dire situation there. Afghans are born warriors, and even the British army could not defeat them. In the film Rambo 3, a line captures the fierce and combative reputation of Afghans, stating, "May God deliver us from the venom of the cobra, the teeth of the tiger, and the vengeance of the Afghan." During my time at the Vinnitsa medical faculty in Ukraine, I encountered around 25 Afghan students, some of whom had fought against the Mujahedin. One student, Abed, shared with me the tragic story of how the Mujahedin killed two of his brothers for their collaboration with Russian soldiers.

Horashid Aga Safi was an Afghan female student, and we frequently crossed paths at the faculty. Her father held a senior position in the Afghan Army, and her family lived in Kandahar, where they endured a devastating rocket attack that nearly destroyed their home.  She shared extensive insights into Afghan culture, cuisine, and the contrasting lifestyles found in urban areas versus remote, underdeveloped mountain regions. Additionally, I became aware of the societal position of women in Afghanistan, where patriarchal norms often restrict their rights and freedoms under the guise of religious beliefs.

It became evident to me that many Afghan students harboured a strong dislike for the Soviet troops occupying their country, with some even secretly admiring the combat prowess of the Mujahedin. Horashid recounted an incident where an Afghan military officer covertly shared intelligence with the Mujahedin, enabling them to ambush a Soviet convoy. Much like the U.S. soldiers in Vietnam, the Soviets found themselves up against a cunning and elusive enemy in the rugged Afghan mountains.

Several Soviet films, including the 1991 production Afghan Breakdown featuring Italian actor Michele Placido and The 9th Company, depicted the realities of the Soviet-Afghan conflict. Official figures released by the Soviet Union towards the war's conclusion indicated 13,310 fatalities, 35,478 injuries, and 311 individuals classified as missing in action.

During the nine-year conflict in Afghanistan from 1979 to 1989, an estimated 620,000 to 750,000 Soviet troops were deployed. Among the medical students in my faculty, a few had firsthand experience in the Afghan war. In my first year, I shared living quarters with two Soviet medical students who had served there. Sergi (Sergei), who was wounded during his service, frequently expressed his struggles with back pain, while Victor exhibited signs of psychological distress stemming from his experiences in the war. Sergi seldom discussed his experiences during the war in Afghanistan and often expressed a reluctance to engage in conversations about that period.

Victor's transformation after returning from Afghanistan was strikingly evident to his family and friends. Having faced intense combat in Kandahar against the Mujahedin rebels, he suffered a concussion, which severely impacted his ability to focus on his studies, leading to failing grades. As a young student, I was passionate about rock and heavy metal music, often playing tracks from bands like AC/DC, Whitesnake, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple and Metallica. However, Victor became increasingly agitated by the loud sounds, frequently requesting that I turn off the music, revealing his sensitivity to noise.

His temper flared easily, and he often found himself in conflicts. On two occasions, I found myself in physical confrontations with him. Sergi consistently acted as a mediator, stepping in whenever tensions rose.  As I noticed sleep eluded him, plagued by nightmares. Victor resorted to consuming large amounts of vodka at dinner before seeking solace in sleep, further deteriorating his health. He rarely spoke of his experiences in Afghanistan, but one winter evening, while sharing a cup of Ceylon tea, he mentioned Chefeer, a drink soldiers made in the army. He explained that during his time in Afghanistan, they often consumed this concentrated Georgian tea, which provided a much-needed boost to combat the isolation felt in the Afghan mountains. For almost a year, I shared a room with Victor, which proved to be quite challenging for me. Fortunately, by the third year, I was able to separate from him.

During the Soviet-Afghan War, the United States provided support to the Mujahedin by supplying financial aid and military equipment, including Stinger missiles. Sylvester Stallone dedicated his film Rambo III to the gallant people of Afghanistan (Mujahedin fighters?).  Following the September 11 attacks, President George W. Bush deployed American troops to Afghanistan, where they encountered Mujahedin fighters once again. In 2006, I spoke with a U.S. Marine at Colmery-O'Neil Veterans' Administration Medical Center in Kansas, who remarked that the Russians had been effectively managing the situation before the U.S. intervened, suggesting that the current challenges were a consequence of that disruption. His observation held a degree of truth, reflecting the complex legacy of foreign involvement in Afghanistan.

In 2009, I encountered an intriguing individual named Mirwise from Afghanistan at a Tim Hortons coffee shop in Toronto. Recently arrived in Canada, he was employed as a baker at the establishment. Mirwise had picked up many Russian words during his time in Afghanistan, primarily from interactions with Russian soldiers. However, most of the vocabulary he acquired consisted of profanities. His words prompted an uncontrollable fit of laughter from me.

I often ponder the reasons behind the stagnation of Afghan society in the realms of science and technology.  In my opinion, the regression of Afghan society in the realms of science and technology can be attributed to several factors, including decades of relentless conflict and political turmoil. The influence of radical ideologies has further marginalized women, hindering their access to education and opportunities. Additionally, a pervasive sense of xenophobia has contributed to an environment that stifles innovation and progress, ultimately impeding the country's development in these critical areas.

In 2024, I had the honor of delivering a lecture on the psychological management of work-related stress to a group of Afghan doctors. This initiative was coordinated by Captain Sumedha Mirihana from the MLTC International. During my discussions with these doctors, I had the opportunity to exchange perspectives on the Taliban government and address various human rights concerns. It appeared to me that the Afghan Taliban is attempting to engage with the international community through initiatives such as cricket and other outreach efforts.

Afghanistan boasts a striking and diverse beauty, encompassing dramatic mountain landscapes, high-altitude lakes, and a rich historical heritage. Afghan society is built on strong community bonds and deeply held values, including exceptional hospitality, unwavering family loyalty, and personal honor. However, this vibrant nation currently endures a "fragile peace" rather than genuine stability, hampered by severe humanitarian crises, pervasive human rights issues, and governance challenges.

Dr. Ruwan M Jayatunge