Review of Afghanistan developments
Pashtunwali quiddity
The ideology of Pashtunwali, often referred to as Pashtunism, constitutes the most fundamental and influential normative system within the Pashtun community, acting as a prominent symbol of the authenticity of their social organization. This system can be viewed as an unwritten constitution that has defined the identity of the Pashtun society, influenced both individual and collective traits, and even shaped their religious behaviors. A true Pashtun is identified when their individual, social, and political actions are measured by the principles of Pashtunwali.
The Pashtunwali tradition serves numerous socio-political roles within Pashtun communities, influencing individual identity, social cohesion, and interpersonal relations. Key components of the Pashtunwali framework include hospitality, the provision of shelter, valor and bravery, the pursuit of revenge, resistance to oppression, the quest for freedom, forgiveness, ethnocentrism, and Jirga practice.
Taliban and Pashtunwali
While the roots of the Taliban’s conduct and ideology are often attributed to religious beliefs, it is essential to recognize the significant impact of Pashtunwali on the group’s actions and perspectives. The socialization process and the development of the Taliban’s identity—both individual and collective—have been influenced by the interplay of “tribal life” and “religious education,” which are deeply embedded within a tribal context.
The identity and conduct of Taliban members, particularly their leaders who are central to this discussion, are shaped by two primary educational and training systems: the community and the school. These systems influence their behavior and perspectives on socio-cultural, political, and economic matters, as well as their interactions with others.
The behavior of the Taliban can be assessed through the lens of these assumptions, particularly in relation to their interactions with others and their foreign relations, which are influenced by these two key elements. Historically, this premise is substantiated by the actions of the Taliban. For instance, when Mullah Mohammad Omar, the former leader, declined to surrender Osama bin Laden to the United States, the Pashtunism element significantly influenced this choice more than any other consideration. At that juncture, Mullah Omar prioritized the values of promise-keeping, hospitality, and loyalty over his own survival and that of his rule, as the Pashtun ethos, which emphasizes honor and dignity, precluded him from opting for a decision like survival that would compromise these principles.
The second generation of Taliban: Pashtunwali or politics
The current allegiance to Pashtunism is prominently displayed within the Taliban, especially among the founding members who wield considerable influence in the governmental structure. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen if the upcoming second generation of Taliban, expected to take on leadership roles shortly, will uphold this commitment. There are two possible scenarios to explore in response to this question.
First and foremost, the enduring strength of the Pashtun tribal structure, along with the dominance of Pashtunwali elements within it, indicates that future Taliban generations are unlikely to escape this cycle. Historical precedents demonstrate that any Pashtun who attempts to leave the realm of Pashtun leadership has been marginalized by the Pashtun community, with the communist Pashtuns being a significant illustration of this phenomenon.
A further possibility is that later generations of the Taliban, along with certain representatives from the founding generation, may pursue a hybrid approach. A prominent example of this transformation can be seen in the dynamics involving the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and various foreign jihadist organizations situated in Afghanistan. In the case of the TTP, the Taliban government has remained loyal to the tenets of hospitality and asylum by providing them shelter, while concurrently taking a pragmatic and utilitarian approach by denying their presence in the country. This could also hold true for other jihadist factions.
Pashtunwali or politics
If the Taliban were to face a decision between Pashtunwali and political strategy, it is reasonable to conclude that they would lean towards the latter. Several factors indicate that a political orientation is more likely. The present-day Taliban, which consists of both first and second-generation individuals, has a profound understanding of the distinction between survival and extinction. Their dedication to traditional principles, particularly those of Pashtunwali, has been shaped by the various socialization influences of the technological age, and the demands of the current landscape have transformed not only the Pashtun society but also the Taliban itself.
