Tribal Leadership in Southeast Afghanistan

The aim of this research paper is to look at certain underlying principles in the complex relationship of tribal leadership and the egalitarian structure of tribes. This paper will attempt to explain the presence of tribal leaders (Khans) in the segmentary and egalitarian structure of the tribal belt in Southeast, Afghanistan. In addition, it will examine the characteristics of egalitarian structure of Pushtun tribes and the rule of the Khan as a broker of the state or tribe.

The majority of the southeast Pukhtun tribes live within the geographic boarders of Afghanistan, the exception being the Wazir and Mehsud tribes who also reside in Pakistan. The common characteristic of all Pukhtun tribes is the focus on paternal linage for determining membership within the Pukhtun tribal segments. Another shared characteristic among Pukhtun tribes is the derivation of their segmentation, which is determined by their social composition. (Tapper, 1983)

Explaining the political structure of these tribes is difficult due to the multiplicity within tribal leadership. A number of leaders can influence the tribal decision-making process including: the tribal Masher (tribal leader), the Mullah, a Warlord or a Mujaheedin Commander, and sometimes a Khan. The influence each of these can wield depends on the particular situation. This paper will address the tribal political structure through a more detailed examination of Khan-ship. The paper will show that the authority of the Khan is quite limited and his power severely constrained; he is much more of a leader than a ruler and thus his tribesmen tend to be followers rather than subjects. (Anderson, 1983)

Pukhtun tribes tend toward a more acephalous structure, meaning a community without a direct chief or leader. This paper will discuss the Khan’s unique position within this egalitarian tribal structure. As a result, the focus of this paper is the various aspects of traditional leadership within the egalitarian tribal structure of Southeastern Afghanistan.