In his book, Mohib provides a detailed account of the collapse of the Republic of Afghanistan; narratives that address the political disputes in Kabul, the weakness and corruption of government institutions, and the competition among political figures. He particularly highlights the role of Zalmay Khalilzad and the final days of Ashraf Ghani's government.
Defense of Ashraf Ghani and Criticism of Political Rivals
This book serves as a kind of defense of the record and policies of Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, the former President of Afghanistan. Mohib considers Ghani a politician who believed in institution-building, fighting corruption, and reforming ineffective governance. He writes that one of Ghani's main goals was to rescue power from the clutches of warlords.
Mohib candidly criticizes several other politicians in Afghanistan and takes a critical look at their performance and roles. He specifically points to the deep rift between Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah; a rift that, according to him, went beyond political rivalry and permeated the structure of the government.
Political Divide and Its Consequences
Mohib writes that this divide reached a dangerous stage at one point where both declared themselves the winners of the election and designated separate venues for the inauguration ceremony. Most ambassadors of foreign countries went to Ghani's inauguration venue while Abdullah's team blocked the routes leading there. This event was a clear illustration of the depth of the political divide at that time, which turned into a confrontation between the two political teams within the government structure.
This disagreement deepened to the extent that ministries and security forces were also divided into two factions and did not cooperate with each other. Mohib believes that part of the root of this divide goes back to the elections and the way the National Unity Government was formed. He considers Ghani the winner of the controversial elections and believes that US intervention in this process weakened democracy instead of strengthening it.
In criticizing the Islamic Unity Party of Afghanistan, particularly Salahuddin Rabbani, Mohib states that warlords and political networks hindered the implementation of Ghani's proposed development and reform plans. He specifically describes Rabbani as a fraudulent individual lacking self-confidence.
Mohib also extends his criticisms to Hanif Atmar, considering him a hardworking but selfish individual. According to him, Atmar was trying to challenge Ghani in the upcoming elections and was using his government position to create a political base. Mohib writes that the National Security Council during Atmar's tenure had become a "kindergarten for little princes."
Overall, Mohib deeply examines the structural and political problems in Afghanistan in his book and reveals the challenges that led to the fall of the republic. He also admits to his personal weaknesses in dealing with some political figures and ultimately concludes that these problems stem not only from political disagreements but also from inefficiency in managing the country.
