WHY THE AFGHANS ARE FIGHTING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18644, 22 December 1928, Page 4

WHY THE AFGHANS ARE FIGHTING.

A GLANCE at the map of India will explain why Great Britain is so deeply concerned over the rebellion that threatens to shake King Amanullah from his throne. Afghanistan is neither a great nation nor a wealthy country, but it occupies a strategic position of high importance. For fifty years' before the Great War, it was a bone of contention between the Old Russia and Britain. Each sought to establish a sphere of influence there, each was nervous of the otiler's intentions, and Downing Street feared that Russia might dominate Afghanistan and make it a point d’appui for an advance on India. With the passing of the Czaristic regime, a new danger threatened—Bolshevism. Britain feared that Afghanistan might become Bolshevised and thus form a constant sore and provocation in the spirit of India. That fear still exists, for the London “ Morning Post ” said, a few days ago, that Moscow had watchers and agents in the rebel camp, and “the Indian Government no doubt marks the ominous similarity of events to early 1919, when, as now, agitators were active in India. The hand of the same conspirators can be traced in both cases and India and her protectors must therefore closely watch these Afghan developments.” In other quarters, the rebellion is attributed to King Amanullah’s zeal for reform. Such things as the Queen discarding the veil, the introduction of European clothes and customs, and the prohibition of polygamy, all of which happened after the Royal visit to Europe this year, are said to have caused offence to religious leaders. Apart from that, it must be remembered that Afghanistan has always been a troubled country'. Like the Balkans, it is ever simmering or about to simmer. The people are treacherous and cunning, illiterate and primitive. They' look on war as a joyous pastime. Probably that is the main cause of the present upheaval.