Why Afghanistan Struggles with Unhappiness

While Afghanistan is not a monolith, and every individual's experience can vary, the overall unhappiness and distress in the country are undeniable. This stems from a combination of historical, economic, and social challenges that have deeply entrenched the cycle of unhappiness.

Longstanding Conflicts

The primary factor contributing to the unhappiness of the Afghan people is the persistent state of war that has plagued the country for decades. The prolonged conflict has resulted in countless deaths and injuries, with many innocent lives lost. This constant state of turmoil has made it nearly impossible for Afghans to find happiness or peace.

Low Economic Standards

The economic situation in Afghanistan is dire. With a nominal GDP per capita of only 2100 USD and a Nominal GDP per capita of 560 USD, the average Afghan struggles to make ends meet. The poverty rate remains high, with many people living in substandard living conditions. The poor economic state has exacerbated the general sense of discontentment among the population.

Educational and Infrastructure Challenges

Educational facilities are limited and often inaccessible, especially for women. The Taliban, which are funded by various external entities including Mullahs from Iran, Wahabis from Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, have hindered educational progress. This has led to a cycle of ignorance and underdevelopment.

Key issues include:

Poor sanitation and access to safe drinking water: Only 42 percent of Afghans have access to safe drinking water, and 27 percent of the rural population lack access to sanitation facilities. This results in a high rate of diarrheal diseases, with an estimated 85,000 Afghan children under the age of five losing their lives annually. Poor infrastructure: The constant warfare has destroyed much of Afghanistan's infrastructure, including roads and bridges. Reconstruction efforts have been hampered by ongoing conflict, leading to a lack of basic services and connectivity.

Corruption

Another significant hurdle to happiness in Afghanistan is the pervasive issue of corruption. Corrupt practices have cost the country around 1 billion USD, or approximately 5% of its GDP. This is funds that could have been channeled into development to improve the lives of the Afghan people. Corruption also breeds a loss of trust in the government, pushing many toward the Taliban, which in turn perpetuates a cycle of violence and instability.

Tribalism

Tribalism is another root cause of Afghanistan's developmental challenges. People in Afghanistan often prioritize their tribal loyalties over national ones, making cooperation and unity in development efforts nearly impossible. This tribal mentality has hindered progress andunity, as seen in other conflict-ridden regions like Iraq.

Conclusion

The unhappiness in Afghanistan is multifaceted, stemming from historical conflict, economic underdevelopment, poor education, inadequate infrastructure, corruption, and tribalism. Achieving long-term happiness and peace will require comprehensive efforts and international support to address these deeply entrenched issues.

Addressing these challenges will not only improve the daily lives of Afghans but also pave the way for a more united and prosperous society. It is a complex and ongoing process, but progress is possible with sustained efforts and support from the international community.