Every nation-state, no matter how large or small, powerful or weak, has an equal, exclusive right to sovereignty in the modern international system emerged following the Westphalia Treaty of 1648. Thus, the governments of all sovereign states have to conduct its affairs and interact with other nation states of its own free will. Although there are abundant examples of violation and disrespect of the independence and national sovereignty of countries by the powerful nations, it is sometimes the attitude of some state leaders and governments that calls into question their own autonomy. One such recent instance is Afghan president Ashraf Ghani’s visit to Bagram Airfield to meet with US President Donald Trump who made an unannounced maiden trip to Afghanistan.
The nature of relations between Afghanistan and the United States is clear, but the political interaction between the two states should at least publicly be one between two equal and independent allies. If the US truly sees Afghanistan as a sovereign ally in the war against terrorism, it has to prove it and walk the talk in its dealings with the country. Even if Washington has no regard for this principle, Kabul, which claims to be sovereign, must strictly observe these diplomatic delicacies.
President Ghani’s visit to the main American military base overstepped the principle of being equal states, thereby endorsing the claim of anti-government elements that Afghan government is a “puppet regime”. The president might have breached the principle of equality between the two nations in a bid to secure Washington’s support for his re-election or any other reason, but it damaged the prestige and reputation of not only the president but also of the entire regime and the nation.
President Ghani was a guest of foreigners in his own country in Bagram. Instead of going to the military base, President Ghani should have invited Trump to the Presidential Palace, and in case of his refusal, he must also have refused to meet him in Bagram. Afghans are the owners of this land, and the political leaders need to give them this feeling of ownership. The responsibility of the leaders is not to be a guest in their own country but to help people learn how to stand on their own feet.
