Illuminating the Arts-Policy Nexus 

Dear Nadia and Amir, In general, I agree with your overall assessment but after all it is a bloodline as you two rightfully put it. The Afghan claim is irredentist based on cultural, historical, and cultural ties. Pashtuns are human beings too you know and have the of self-determination. Unification or independence from Pakistan is their right. Although a legitimate international territorial dispute, the problem however lies in southern Punjab of Pakistan; an epicenter of global religious extremism and terrorism. The problem is Pakistan's Cold War era Afghan policy that needs to be reformed. The problem is Pakistan's military and ISI; a state within a state, that is preventing a democratically elected government from improving relations with India and Afghanistan. It is not the Pashtuns and please do not attempt to slip things into your assessment. You are basically suggesting that Afghanistan should bow down to Pakistan's military and ISI and recognize the Durand line as legitimate international border ignoring the fact that Pakistan is a State sponsor of international terrorism. The world must come together and confront those in Pakistan who sponsor terrorism. Enough is enough, Pakistan must no longer be permitted to blackmail the world especially poor Afghans. Afghans should also take the issue seriously and drop all rhetoric regarding the Durand Line. Why? A Pashtun from Khyber Pukhtunkhwa, FATA, and Baluchistan in Kabul is referred to as 'Pakistani' and likewise a Pashtun from the Afghan side in Peshawar or Quetta is called 'Kabulai'. This by in itself is direct contradiction of the Afghan government's claim and those Pashtuns living in Pashtunistan that support secession or independence. First, recognize each other as Afghans then initiate your dispute on international platform. The titles of Afghan and Pashtun are synonymous. All Pashtuns are Afghans but not all Afghans are Pashtun. India and Iran too must stop from meddling in Afghan affairs.