Khaama Press, July 29, 2014

Morale at all-time low as EID ‘celebrations’ begin

This year, Afghans are suffering more than ever, with less job opportunities, and fear for their safety due to daily attacks, suicide bombers, and continuing conflicts

By Gulabuddin Sukhanwar

Traditionally, after a month of fasting known as the holy month of Ramadan, the Muslim community celebrates EID days.

Normally EID days are for visiting family, relatives and friends and sharing happiness and forgiveness while forgetting any sadness or conflicts.

For preparation of EID people make new clothes for themselves, especially for their children and prepare traditional EID food (dry and fresh fruit, etc).

But this year, just like last, how will poverty-stricken Afghans celebrate? Can we have a real Eid or given our current economic and political situation?

A photo that went viral on Facebook during the Eid celebrations. The caption reads "I don't have Eid" which is the case for almost the entire population of Afghanistan, especially its children, who cannot find a mouthful to eat everyday.

Unfortunately, during the month of Ramadan, the price of groceries, clothes and other essential stuff gets expensive and it makes life difficult for people who live below the poverty line. The World Bank report for 2013, shows that 36% of Afghanistan’s population find themselves in this situation.

This year, Afghans are suffering more than ever, with less job opportunities, and fear for their safety due to daily attacks, suicide bombers, and continuing conflicts.

During the last weeks of Ramadan, the country witnessed heavy attacks in different regions that killed more than a hundred people; insurgent groups killed 14 civilians including a newly married couple because they belong to the Hazara – Shiite.

The presidential election should have created hope, and improved the political situation for the first democratic transfer of power, but it is almost a year since the process began the country remains in political deadlock.

Afghan people, despite all threats from the Taliban, put their lives at risk to vote, but now the politicians are trying to reserve high level seats for themselves and their team-members, instead of seeking solutions if the country goes to crisis or the people are hungry.

Impoverished Afghans are experiencing very sad, hard days and instead of an opportunity to celebrate, for them Eid, makes them more worry even more about how to find food for their children during this period when the markets are closed and there is no chance of finding work.

There is not just one problem to deal with. Afghans are mourning from the landslide disaster, facing personal danger and attacks that kill our people every day.

Now, how can we celebrate?

If only we could find a way to enjoy a truly joyous Eid celebration with the security of a peaceful future for ourselves and our loved ones.

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