Human Geography in the Afghanistan - Pakistan Region: Undermining the Taliban Using Traditional Pashtun Social Structures

The Taliban is a largely Pashtun insurgent movement operating throughout Afghanistan and Pakistan. Much of its ideology is based on Saudi Arabian-influenced Wahabbist thought, and as such is alien to Pashtun culture. It is in direct conflict with the traditional Pashtun social code of Pashtunwali and has subverted the traditional tribal structure of the Pashtun. Coalition Forces should support and strengthen traditional Pashtun tribal leaders and their traditional social structure in Afghanistan and Pakistan in order to isolate the Taliban insurgency, enabling the achievement of Coalition end state objectives.