Online published on 10 February, 2014.
Given the differences between the geographical and socioeconomic basis of the origin of the state in Afghanistan and Europe, it is but obvious that their nature would also differ. The Afghan state directly and indirectly involves various religious institutions like mosques and Islamic scholars in its day-to-day politics. This however is a relatively recent phenomenon. Before the rise of political Islam in the Middle East, Afghanistan had a vibrant urban political culture based on secularism. Once this took a back seat, the country became a victim of political instability erupting in ethnic conflicts and sectarian rivalries. Even the latest constitution, formulated in 2004 by the post-Taliban regime led by President Hamid Karzai, derives several concepts and provisions from religious texts and practices. For example, the Sharia is a source of law. This paper analyses the political legitimacy of the state in Afghanistan and the role of Islam.
