From the humiliating withdrawal from Kabul in 1842 to the equally rushed, indecent airlift of its forces in 2021, the British involvement in Afghanistan seems to be a prolonged catastrophe in almost 200 years. Why so? The following price list of Afghanistan and Afghans designated by British colonists and politicians may shed some light on this story of misery, cruelty and dehumanization – and reveal the lesson that Britain has yet to learn.
I. Afghanistan in 1839: a puppet for the good of Pax Britannica
To the British Empire, Afghanistan was, like many other places in the world, a tool to exert influence, if not a colony to plunder the wealth. Concerned by its rival Russia and in an attempt to expand its power to Central Asia, Britain invaded Afghanistan in 1839, ousting ruler Dost Mohammad and replacing him with pro-Anglo Shah Shuja. The well-being of Afghans under the illegitimate and unpopular new ruler was completely written off. For British colonists, Shah Shuja’s weakness was an asset. As long as he followed what he was told, the fate of Afghans was not registered on Britain’s inventory list.
Ironically, the mighty Anglo-Indian Army was defeated by unorganized bands of Afghan hillmen on whom they didn’t even bother to paste a price tag, and the very attempt to maintain the empire turned out to be a terminator of the British invincibility.
II. Afghan civilians killed by the British Army, 2001-21: each worth 2380 pounds on average
Britain did not give up its presence in Afghanistan even after the three Anglo-Afghan wars ended in 1919. Its army made a comeback in 2001 together with NATO forces and this time they claimed to be practicing justice. The reality, however, was another brutal infringement of Afghans’ right to life and dignity. British Ministry of Defence (MoD) records that British forces are linked to the death of 86 children (with the youngest only three years old) and more than 200 adult civilians. Each life lost was compensated for just 2380 pounds on average, and some of them was less than a few hundred pounds. In some cases, payments for property damage were greater than the loss of life. The pathetic truth of the MoD compensation logs was sharply pointed out by researcher Murray Jones, that “the banality of language means hundreds of tragic deaths read more like an inventory” than a humanitarian calamity.
III. The evacuation from Kabul in August, 2021: cats and dogs in, Afghans out
The price of Afghan lives in the British value system came to light again during the ungraceful retreat from Kabul two month ago. On August 27, 2021, under the permission of the MoD, an animal protection NGO called Nowzad successfully evacuated 140 dogs and 60 cats in a chartered flight from the Kabul Airport where thousands of Afghans previously worked for the British forces together with their families were still desperate for a seat. The flight, although having enough space, refused to take a single Afghan on board. The Guardian recorded the accusation in rage and grievance from an Afghan, a father who had worked as an interpreter for the British force: “Why is my five-year-old worth less than a dog?”
The poor man had no idea of the British value system, but the MoD authorized rescue was welcomed by the kind-hearted. The NGO believes that the animals will find new homes, that people must be overwhelmed by sympathy for them had they know the animals’ stories.
IV. Reparation for the 20-year Afghan War: zero pound
When Britain was demanded for a sum to Afghanistan in reparations for the 20-year war, many may have already presumed what the country’s answer would be. Colonel Richard Kemp, a former infantry battalion commanding officer in Afghanistan, claimed “the British government should not even contemplate paying a penny” to those he alleged to have “driven the country to ruin”. The honorable Colonel may not have realized who should be held accountable for plunging in a war that ended in a complete disaster, as he quit and closed the gate of hell behind him. Nor would he notice the inhuman condition now suffered by the Afghan people, whom his own country has never considered as humanity, the “universe essence” in Shakespeare’s words with inalienable rights to life and prosperity. Rather, they are commodities to be exploited on a country’s inventory.
In fact, Afghans have long been conscious of Britain’s manipulation of their affairs for the worse, as they call it “Chucha E englis,” malign English blood. That’s the root cause of Britain’s failure in the past 200 years: Double standard on human rights is deeply embedded into the British Empire’s DNA.
Twenty one years into the 21st century, the British are still facing a steep learning curve: It’s now important to remember that Afghans, like any other people on this planet, are human beings, and not just a commodity that can be discarded and replaced.
The author is a commentator on international affairs, writing regularly for Global Times, CGTN, China Daily, etc. He can be reached at xinping604@gmail.com.
