09.2004 - Source: International Legal Foundation

Pashtunwali ("The Customary Laws of Afghanistan") [#30615],  [ID 1532]

"Pashto is the language of Pashtuns, but it also refers to the truth, to the lawful principles of Pashtun, and to the collection of praiseworthy morals of a true Pashtun. In Afghanistan, where the central government has lost the power to maintain authority and provide security, social principles and customs exist to eliminate conflicts and problems. These customs and principles, known as Pashtunwali, apply to every aspect of life, have quasi-legal status, and are considered an essential part of Pashtu”elegance.” Anyone who disobeys these principles is regarded as a criminal and consequently condemned by the community. (p. 7)"

Document(s): Open document
Open document

05.2001 - Source:

Bernt Glatzer: Pashtun tribal code: Notions of individual honour and social responsibility ("Dr. Bernt Glatzer: Ethnizität im Afghanistankonflikt, Mai 2001") [ID 1533]

comment

"Die östlichen Paschtunen haben auch einen Kodex von sozialen Normen und Werten entwickelt, das pashtunwali, durch das sie sich positiv von anderen Ethnien zu unterscheiden glauben. In den meisten Fällen kommt kaum Zweifel auf, wer Paschtune ist. Lediglich an den Grenzen des traditionellen paschtunischen Siedlungsgebietes verschwimmen die Linien und es gibt interethnische Mobilität und Flexibilität. Die Paschtunen haben bisher die Herrscherhäuser und politischen Eliten des Landes gestellt, auch während der kommunistischen Zeit (1978-92). Die Taliban sind ebenfalls vorwiegend Paschtunen, was ihnen den Vorwurf eingetragen hat, dass sie einen ethnischen Hegemonialkrieg führen würden."

Document(s): Dr. Bernt Glatzer: Ethnizität im Afghanistankonflikt, Mai 2001

26.02.2001 - Source: US Department of State

Revenge is an important element in the Pashtunwali ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2000") [#1751],  [ID 1534]

"Another related form of rough justice operating in the NWFP (North West Frontier Province), particularly in the tribal areas, is the concept of Pakhtunwali, or the Pakhtun Tribal Code, in which revenge is an important element. Under this code, a man, his family, and his tribe are obligated to take revenge for wrongs--either real or perceived--to redeem their honor. More often than not, these disputes arise over women and land, and frequently result in violence."

Document(s): Open document

12.1997 - Source: Glatzer, Bernt

Bernt Glatzer: Sword and Reason among Pashtuns: Notions of Individual Honour and Social Responsibility ("Sword and Reason among Pashtuns: Notions of Individual Honour and Social Responsibility") [#30664],  [ID 1535]

"B. Glatzer: Sword and Reason among Pashtuns: Notions of Individual Honour and Social Responsibility"

Document(s): Open document