The recent remarks by Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, the Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs of Afghanistan, have sparked significant discourse regarding the internal dynamics of the Afghan interim government. In a statement aimed at quelling rumors of discord among the leaders of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), Stanikzai asserted that there are no disagreements among government members. However, this denial raises critical questions about the authenticity of unity within the leadership and the broader implications for Afghanistan’s political landscape. Stanikzai’s declaration comes amid growing speculation about rifts within the IEA, particularly as various factions vie for influence and power. By denying these internal conflicts, he may be attempting to project an image of stability and cohesion. Nonetheless, the insistence on portraying a united front can be seen as a tactic to obscure underlying issues that could undermine governance and national stability. One notable aspect of Stanikzai’s statement is the frequent invocation of external enemies. This narrative might serve a dual purpose. It shifts focus away from internal strife while simultaneously rallying support against perceived threats. However, this strategy raises a critical concern as if the leadership is genuinely united in purpose and vision, why do disagreements appear to be increasing? Such contradictions suggest that while external enemies may be real, they are being used as scapegoats for deeper internal challenges. Addressing Afghanistan’s myriad issues requires more than just blaming external forces; it necessitates a commitment to self-reform within the leadership. Addressing Afghanistan’s myriad issues requires more than just blaming external forces; it necessitates a commitment to self-reform within the leadership. The Afghan interim government must confront its own shortcomings rather than deflecting responsibility onto outside influences. True progress will only occur when the leadership acknowledges its failures and takes decisive action to rectify them. Recognizing internal failures is often more challenging than attributing problems to external factors. Leadership that avoids self-reflection risks perpetuating cycles of mismanagement and discontent. By focusing on external enemies, the IEA leadership may inadvertently avoid confronting critical issues such as governance, economic policy, and public trust. The reliance on external narratives to mask internal political struggles raises further questions about transparency and accountability within the Afghan government. Why is there a tendency to conceal genuine political challenges by invoking external threats? Leadership strength is not merely about projecting unity. It also involves embracing diversity of thought and fostering collaboration among various factions. The IEA must prioritize strengthening its leadership structures to ensure that all voices are heard and valued. This inclusive approach can help mitigate tensions and create a more resilient governance framework. The narrative suggesting that internal conflicts stem from external forces lacks solid evidence. Reports from former officials indicate that disagreements and factionalism are prevalent among IEA leaders which points to deeper systemic issues rather than mere external interference. By failing to substantiate claims against external enemies, the government risks losing credibility both domestically and internationally. Afghanistan’s economic challenges cannot be solely attributed to external interference, they also stem from harsh domestic policies, lack of international recognition, and exclusionary practices that marginalize skilled professionals from governance roles. These factors contribute significantly to economic instability and hinder efforts toward recovery. The failure to establish a cohesive interim government has led to increased resistance movements within Afghanistan. These developments signal not only dissatisfaction with current governance but also highlight significant internal fractures that threaten national unity. For Afghanistan’s interim government to navigate its complex political landscape successfully, it must prioritize self-reform over scapegoating external enemies. A commitment to addressing internal conflicts transparently will be crucial in fostering stability and rebuilding public trust in governance. Only through genuine introspection and collaborative efforts can Afghanistan hope to overcome its multifaceted challenges and work toward a more stable future. Stanikzai’s further statement is of key importance for IEA. “We have to learn from the past”, He added, “We should make the country self-reliant.” The writer is a graduate of QAU, PhD scholar and a freelance writer and can be reached at fa7263125@gmail.com