A discussion that has led Afghanistan into an ethnic crisis
Author: Ahmad Saidi, analyst on Afghanistan and regional issues (Switzerland), especially for “Sangar”
Terrorism does not belong to any particular nation or language; a terrorist is someone who spreads fear and violence.
But let us return to the recent incident in the United States committed by Rahmanullah Lakanwal. Some people link it to ethnic identity, although this is not the case. On the other hand, for some time now, a young man named Samim Yawar has been appearing in the media saying, “I am not an Afghan.” Yesterday, Amrullah Saleh, the former vice president, launched another campaign — “I am an Afghan.” What conclusions people draw from these statements and actions is not the subject of my discussion.
What I want to examine in this analysis are the phrases and words that have cast doubt on the future of Afghanistan.
I begin with two words: “Afghan” or “Afghanistani.”
A scientific, historical, and social perspective on this sensitive identity debate has compelled me to speak more precisely and impartially.
In recent years, the debate over the use of the words “Afghan” and “Afghanistani,” and for some even “Khorasani,” has become one of the most contentious and sensitive identity issues among the people of Afghanistan. Some citizens call themselves “Afghans,” while others prefer to identify as “Afghanistanis.” This difference, which appears to be merely linguistic, in fact reflects a much deeper historical, ethnic, and identity issue.
This is what I want to share with you:
A) The origin of the word “Afghan”
In ancient historical sources, the word “Afghan” was mostly used to refer to the Pashtun people. This can also be seen in historical works such as the Tarikh-nameh Herat and the Baburnama. But in recent centuries, especially with the formation of the modern Afghan state, the word transformed from an ethnic designation into a national identity. In the Constitution of Afghanistan, the term “Afghan” is also used to refer to all citizens of the country.
- B) Where did the word “Afghanistani” come from?
From a linguistic standpoint, adding a suffix to indicate a citizen of a country (such as Iranian, Pakistani, Tajikistani, American, English, etc.) is common in Persian and many other languages. For this reason, some citizens, wishing to avoid associating their identity with the Pashtun ethnicity, prefer the words “Afghanistani” or “Khorasani.” They believe that this term reflects all ethnic groups of the country equally.
C) Identity sensitivities and causes of disagreement
In Afghanistan’s multiethnic society, language, ethnicity, and identity have always been sources of tension. Many non-Pashtuns have difficulties with using the word “Afghan” as a national identifier because they consider it synonymous with the Pashtun ethnic group. These groups fear that this word erases or diminishes their own identity.
On the other hand, others believe that “Afghan,” on the national level, has become an inclusive term and should not be reduced back to its original ethnic meaning.
D) From a legal perspective
In official documents of the Afghan state—such as passports, ID cards, and other papers—the word “Afghan” is used to denote a citizen. At the international level, global organisations also refer to citizens of this country as “Afghans.” An official change of this term would require a constitutional revision and national consensus among all ethnic groups.
E) The path to mutual understanding
The solution to this issue lies not in removing one term and cementing the other, but in establishing an inclusive national dialogue. Conditions must be created in which all ethnic groups of Afghanistan feel a sense of belonging and recognition. As long as injustice, discrimination, and ethnic superiority persist, words will continue to carry tension and become even more conflict-laden.
Conclusion
The debate over “Afghan” versus “Afghanistani” is not merely a linguistic disagreement but a reflection of historical pain, a sense of being ignored, and a crisis of national identity. As a people with deep historical, cultural, and religious roots, we need to move away from arguing over terminology and toward building an inclusive, fair, and respectful national identity for all.
Only then will being an “Afghan” or an “Afghanistani” cease to be a cause of division and instead become a symbol of unity and shared pride. Otherwise, the ongoing conflict will lead Afghanistan toward very severe consequences arising from ethnic and linguistic crises.
