Zahir Shah: It’s a very tragic situation. With every hour that passes, we feel the pain of our people. It is my fervent prayer that God will save our country that has suffered so long and put it on the road to peace.
I see one role for myself. It is not a question of seeking a position. I see my role as a peacemaker.
My plan is to convene an emergency loya jirga [national assembly] inside Afghanistan as soon as possible. After two years have passed with a transitional government, there will be a traditional loya jirga.
The Taliban is a problem that has caused concern to all Afghans. There are Taliban and Taliban; there are some amongst the Taliban who are not Afghans.
We consider them foreign Taliban who have come into Afghanistan whether they are Arabs, or Pakistanis, or if they come from North Africa. They have no place in Afghanistan.
It happened gradually in the last 10 years.
Yes.
Without a doubt.
The people of Afghanistan have the right to decide who stays in power and who goes. They will elect the head of state.
One of our fundamental principles is to include everyone; the different ethnic groups should participate together in the formation of a government that is truly representative of the people. I tried very hard during my reign to be sure that people of the north and south intermingled.
Bin Laden is a plague.
Omar is a young mullah who has a conception of religious rule in Afghanistan and thinks that something like the first days of Islam could apply today.
Yes, I believe it is true.
I believe Osama bin Laden has been a dangerous person and continues to be dangerous. His presence in Afghanistan is a source of worry for me.
When I saw these two towers destroyed, it was as if someone hit me. I kept the vision for several days and was not able to lose it. Such a cowardly action disgusted us.
It is difficult with these small alliances to obtain a total victory in the country. We must create a broad-based alliance comprising all of the organized parties in order to form a strong and dedicated movement.
I have an urge to go back to Afghanistan. How can I not wish to be back in my country? A three-point plan I proposed many years ago was designed to create conditions in Afghanistan where freedom and democracy can prevail and those Afghans who were exiled can return.
It is hard to give you an exact date when I shall return to Afghanistan. I am 86 years old and I have to get back to my country.
America has a very important role to play in the world as the only remaining superpower. I hope America will support freedom, liberty and democracy in Afghanistan.
This is what almost all Afghans think. After the danger from the Soviet Union passed, Afghanistan was abandoned not only by America but by almost all the world.
