The Straightline
Khyber Pass
by Eric Watt
Kabul
“Were you Mujahadeen?” “Yes, I was,” Ahmed said. “I was offered the opportunity to learn Russian, but I did not want to be communist.” My mind raced to the scenes of Kabul that I had seen over the last several days – destroyed homes, bombed out buildings, deserted tanks on the side of the road, bullet holes and shelling dents on almost every wall. For the last twenty-three years the Russians and the Mujahadeen fought over Kabul and the rest of Afghanistan, destroying nearly every aspect of society.
Driven to defend their honor and avenge their enemies, even today the concept of revenge plays a significant part in this culture. After our flight was cancelled we journeyed to Kabul by road. At the same time thousands of hopeful passengers crowded the newly opened Kabul airport ready for their Muslim pilgrimage. When told that there were no available flights a rage infected the crowd and someone had to pay the price – the Minister of Civil Aviation was assassinated.
Ahmed continued, “If I could be king for 45 days, we would have loya jirga, and I would forgive everyone. People would know this country as a peaceful place, they would see that we are very kind and friendly.” Ahmed went on to explain the Central Asian tribal custom of loya jirga. To settle longstanding disputes, conflicts or wars between people or tribes, a judge determines a penalty of “blood money” or “blood land” to re-pay the victim.
“What happens when no penalty is enough,” I asked. “Then a lamb is sacrificed and the blood pays the price,” Ahmed replied.
One day, the Eternal King will hold a loya jirga over this war-torn nation. When the evil deeds and revengeful hearts are exposed, no one will be able to pay the sufficient price. Then the King will offer a Lamb. Forgiveness will flow to those who have received the precious gift of His Son.
This is a divine moment for Afghanistan. A war-weary and tired nation has opened its arms to the world. Filled with an indomitable hope, the people are ready to begin again. They wait to learn of the Sacrifice, the Holy One who extends forgiveness and walks in purity (jihadi).
They await to see Him in you.
Central Asian Resources