… useful idiots in a bigger game of those around us? Are we simple in who we align with?
I want a sense of people’s opinion on this. Not interested in being upvoted or downvoted for my positions.
Also interested in your commentary on this.
Pashtunwali defines us. This is a reality; although I do strongly believe a lot of this stems from a time in the past where social realities were different to today.
Practically every Pashtun I know has access to a mobile phone and all the advantages and ills that come with that. So one thing is for sure, society is no longer the same for Pashtun youth of today as it is for their families a few generations back - people we ostensibly look back at with pride.
In a future version of Pashtun society - what would we hope to change - cities, infrastructure, systems, culture/clothing, automation/tech, education, governance? More AI? Less AI? Pashtuns are seeking out opportunities in the diaspora and this then affects ideas at home. It likely also means that Pashtuns away from the soil are likely to meet and marry non-Pashtuns. So my own thoughts are a lot of change is happening all at once. The conversation I’m interested in is how this affects our futures as a fiercely independent people.
Which of these components of identity should progressive, future generation-focussed Pashtuns consider and which of these Pashtun tenets would you likely change/reject - why?
Does Pashtunwali require us to be independent, tribal, rural and can it survive urbanisation?
Do diaspora or mainland settled Pashtuns think about Pashtunwali or is this change so rapid that we pledge our first loyalty to state/religion?
Consider:
Badal: (revenge)
Wafa: (loyalty) duty to family, kin, tribe nation
Nanawatey (asylum)
Puth: (self-esteem)
Pride & protection of self-respect
Nang: (honour) The most central tenet. Nangyalay means the honourable
Tora (bravery) Signifies hero character; all levels
Milmastya (Hospitality)
Kheegara: (Welfare) societal; selfless act
Jirga (arbitration)
What are people’s thoughts on this?