The Greatest Generation “What you seek is seeking you” ~Rumi Maximus Bossarei Governance Advisor – (CAAT) The images of Afghanistan familiar to many Westerners often portray corruption and ruthless insurgents killing troops and civilians. But a lesser-known story is coming to light that promises hope for a war-torn country. This story embodied in the journey of my friend Faiz Zaland. Zaland, 33, is a fearless activist and visionary who exemplifies the optimism of young business leaders working for societal mobility and a different Afghanistan for their children. Zaland and his peers number among the Afghan men and women 35 and younger who comprise about 75 percent of the population. This growing segment of educated, tech-savvy Afghans has emerged from a decade of exposure to education, media proliferation, and the explosion of mobile technology. Collectively, they are the shining example of what has been undeniably good about the ISAF mission in Afghanistan. Since arriving in Afghanistan in 2009, I have met many young, educated, and accomplished professionals like Zaland. He is fluent in six languages and holds two Bachelor’s degrees and two Masters degrees from Germany. A newspaper commentator and TV analyst, Zaland publicly speaks out against insurgent influence and corruption. As a result of his own efforts over the years, Zaland and his family received threats from insurgents. When I tell him I am more afraid for him and his family than he is, he responds with a smile, “Maxi, if not me, then who will do this? We deserve better.” Because most of the Afghans I’ve worked with have asked me for help with their visas, I’m conditioned to expect Afghans to have an exit strategy. Yet, when I asked Zaland if he had submitted his visa request, he looked at me strangely, smiled and said, “What the hell do you mean buddy?” He has never asked me for help. I am convinced that he loves his country more than he cares about his life. When I look at Zaland, his friends, and the countless boys and girls on Afghan streets going to school, I realize how right Sgt Stacey was. His sacrifice changed Afghanistan from within. Zaland is not unique. There are thousands of young Afghans like him. They are convincing proof that Afghanistan can change from within once the people demand that change from themselves and from their leaders. We may not have changed the practices of their parents, but have unquestionably helped an entire generation of sons and daughters. My hope is that they will succeed and become Afghanistan’s Greatest Generation. They have both the numbers and time on their side.
Posted on: Fri, 19 Jul 2013 09:14:07 +0000