KABUL, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- As the world prepares to mark the International Day of Peace on Sept. 21, Afghans who have suffered from more than four decades of conflict say their greatest wish is simple: enduring peace.
"My wish for Afghanistan is to have lasting peace and security, to see the return of refugees and their contribution to rebuilding the country," said Abdul Qadus Rahmani, a Kabul baker and father of six.
Rahmani, 45, explained that even his daily bread sales reflect the country's fragile stability. "If there is war, I sell 200 to 300 pieces of bread a day. In a peaceful environment, I can sell 1,000 to 1,500 and earn a better income."
Afghanistan's cycle of civil strife and foreign invasions stretched over four decades, ending with the withdrawal of U.S.-led troops in August 2021. Since then, residents say the country has enjoyed a rare period of calm.
"Hearing the word 'peace' gives a sense of happiness," Rahmani said quietly. "Peace is the best thing for construction and business. If we have peace, we have rebuilding everywhere."
Shopkeeper Hussain echoed that sentiment. "Peace is everything for us," he said with a smile. "There is no blast, no suicide bombing. Our shops stay open around the clock, and our children go to school without fear."
During the 20-year U.S.-led foreign presence, Kabul and other cities endured near-daily suicide attacks and bombings that killed thousands of civilians. "I hate war and don't even like to hear its name," said Hussain, a 35-year-old who has seen conflict since birth.
"War means insecurity and poverty. No job, no bread, no water. If you have peace, you have food. Peace, together with a strong economy, brings joy and peace of mind."
More than four decades of war and civil unrest, according to Afghans, have left their country undeveloped and impoverished.
For many Afghans, peace represents the chance to reclaim lost opportunities. "The war deprived me of schooling and forced us to migrate to Iran," said Khalil, a pomegranate-juice vendor supporting a family of seven. "If there had been no war, I might have become an engineer or a doctor. Now peace means I can sell a glass of juice, and the customer drinks it without fear."
As the International Day of Peace approaches, ordinary Afghans like Rahmani, Hussain and Khalil see tranquility not as an abstract ideal, but as the foundation for work, education and dignity -- proof that even after decades of hardship, the simple hope for peace endures. ■
