Hezb-e Wahdat

Hezb-e Wahdat. Hezb-e Wahdat, or the Islamic Unity Party of Afghanistan, is a predominantly Hazara political and military organization founded in the late 1980s. It emerged as a unifying force for various Shia mujahideen factions during the Soviet–Afghan War and later became a key player in the Afghan Civil War (1992–1996). The party has evolved through periods of armed conflict, political participation, and opposition, significantly influencing the political landscape of Afghanistan.

History

The party was formally established in 1989 in Iran, unifying eight major Shia mujahideen groups under the guidance of Abdul Ali Mazari. Its creation was partly facilitated by the Iranian government to consolidate Shia resistance against the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan and its Soviet backers. Following the collapse of the Najibullah government in 1992, Hezb-e Wahdat became a major faction in the battle for Kabul, engaging in fierce combat against forces of Gulbuddin Hekmatyar's Hezb-e Islami Gulbuddin and the Jamiat-e Islami led by Burhanuddin Rabbani and Ahmad Shah Massoud. The party suffered a major blow in 1995 when its leader, Abdul Ali Mazari, was killed after being captured by the Taliban. After the United States invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 and the subsequent Bonn Agreement, Hezb-e Wahdat transitioned into a political party, participating in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan government, with key figures like Mohammad Mohaqiq and Karim Khalili holding high office.

Ideology and objectives

The party's core ideology is rooted in Shia Islamism and the advocacy for the political and social rights of Afghanistan's Hazaras, who have historically faced marginalization and persecution. Initially inspired by the Iranian Revolution and the teachings of Ruhollah Khomeini, its objectives included establishing an Islamic government that would ensure Shia representation. While its Islamist character remains, its post-2001 objectives have focused on securing a share of political power within a centralized state, promoting ethnic and religious pluralism, and opposing the dominance of Pashtun-led movements like the Taliban. The party has consistently emphasized federalism and equitable resource distribution as key political goals.

Structure and leadership

The party operates through a centralized political and military structure, with a leadership council making major decisions. Its founding and most revered leader was Abdul Ali Mazari, whose legacy continues to define the party's identity. Following his death, leadership passed to Abdul Karim Khalili, who served as Vice President of Afghanistan from 2004 to 2014. The current prominent leader is Mohammad Mohaqiq, a powerful political figure who has served as a senior advisor to President Ashraf Ghani and leads the party's political wing. The party maintains a significant base of support in the Hazarajat region, including provinces like Bamiyan, Daykundi, and Ghazni.

Political and military activities

During the civil war, its military wing, known as the Hezb-e Wahdat Army, controlled large sections of western Kabul, notably the district of Karte Seh. It was part of the Northern Alliance that opposed the Taliban regime until 2001. In the post-2001 era, it has been a mainstay of the political system, with members elected to the Wolesi Jirga (lower house of parliament) and holding cabinet positions. The party also organized influential militia forces, such as the Fatemiyoun Brigade, though its direct military role diminished under the republic. Following the 2021 Taliban offensive and the fall of the republic, the party has continued political activities, with leaders like Mohaqiq engaging in talks with the new Taliban government while opposing its policies.

International relations and affiliations

Historically, the party's most significant international relationship was with Iran, which provided ideological, financial, and military support during its formation and the civil war. This connection was strengthened by shared Shia faith and the presence of many Hazara refugees in Iran. The party also maintained tactical alliances with other anti-Taliban forces supported by Russia, India, and the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force. After 2001, it developed relations with the United States and other Western nations as part of the internationally recognized government in Kabul. Regionally, it has had complex and often adversarial relations with Pakistan, due to its support for the Taliban and other Pashtun-dominated groups.