The Taliban has reportedly resolved 750 tribal conflicts, some of which have been smoldering for several years, and some even for centuries. This information was shared by Abdul Khaliq Abid, the Deputy Minister of Borders and Tribes of the Taliban. As per his words, another 140 disputes are currently in the process of settlement.
Ending Forced Marriages
The Taliban has also reportedly put an end to the practice of forcibly marrying girls to members of another clan in exchange for the end of blood feuds for the deeds of their ancestors. This practice has been prevalent in many tribal societies and has been a cause of concern for human rights activists.
Abid cited two reasons for this change. The first is the punishment of murderers according to Sharia law. The second is respect for the Islamic rights of a woman, emphasizing that no one can force a woman to marry against her will.
About Tribal Conflicts
Tribal conflicts in Afghanistan have a long history and are deeply rooted in the country’s complex social structure. These conflicts often run along tribal lines and can be traced back to the 18th century. For instance, the Ghilzai tribe of rural east and the elites of the Durrani tribe in the south clashed over political issues, leading to the establishment of Afghanistan under the rule of Durannis.
The largest ethnic group in Afghanistan, the Pashtun, estimated at around 45% of the population, has a long history of challenging state authority and the legitimacy of official borders in both Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Pashtun tribes’ and clans’ martial prowess makes them very influential in the politics of Afghanistan.
The Taliban’s recent success in Afghanistan owed a lot to tribal links that cut across their own and government forces. Once the US had announced its impending withdrawal, the Taliban were able to leverage these tribal links.
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