Prakhar Sharma, 'Role of Religion in Afghan Politics:
Evolution and Key Trends', The Henry L. Stimson Center, 1 April 2009
EXCERPT: "Afghanistan faces a serious crisis of political stability, threatening its modest development gains, the survival of its government, and the interests of the West and the international community. In order to meet these challenges, the country will need broad social unity and should therefore avoid alienating important bodies of opinion wherever possible. Integrating religious leadership into the political mainstream is essential to the viability and stability of the country's continued transition into a free and democratic political order. Equally important is to give religious practice an outlet in other aspects of public life, such as education. Interviews with locals in six different provinces including Kabul, indicate a growing frustration with the government's lack of effort in integrating religious leaders into the political process. Showing respect for Islam can play a key role in building political legitimacy in a country whose population is overwhelmingly Muslim. Madrassas, or religious schools, are also a contentious issue. There is a concern in Afghanistan and among its Western supporters, that madrassas could be fostering antidemocratic or even terrorist ideologies. However, several nationwide surveys conducted during the last three years reveal the importance that the populace accords to education and the accepted prevalence of religion in education."
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