Munoz 1 5/10

Pashtun Jirga

• Differences/ similarities with shura - tribal versus religious/ governmental

• Types/ levels - from village to national Loya Jirga

• Function - community decision-making - conflict resolution

• Composition - elders, property owners, local leaders, a mullah - landless, lower class traditionally not included

Munoz 2 5/10

How and When do Jirgas Meet?

• Convened when there is a need - do not meet on a regular basis - anyone can convene a jirga, but not everyone can debate in the jirga - subject can be any problem facing community

• Collective decision-making - emphasis on consensus - fundamental Pashtun cultural bias against individual gaining too much power; inherent conflict of jirgas versus war lords

• Democratic procedures for debate - initial speeches, exposition of problem - debate closed to all outsiders - final speeches and announcement of decision

Munoz 3 5/10

Jirgas Implement Pashtunwali

1. Ghayratmand: to be a man of honor; how you are seen in your community; (ghayrat) to defend one’s women, property and land

2. Nang: honor of men and women; personal dignity; “saving face”

3. Badal: justice; revenge for crimes, public humiliations which cause shame, and other wrongs, individual and collective

4. Nanawatai: reconciliation; accept enemy surrender; give sanctuary

5. Melmastia: hospitality for visitors

6. Mafee: apology to make peace and avoid blood feuds

7. Tahur: courage, manhood, valor on and off the battlefield

8. Iman: faith in God and his protection, pious behavior

9. Jihad: defend Islam/ resist infidel invasions

Munoz 4 5/10

Traditional Law Enforcement Mechanism of the Jirgas are the Arbakai

• Arbakai organized by jirgas: - Commanders answer to jirga elders - Arbakai means messenger of jirga - Chalweshtai, chaga

• Arbakai duties:

– Implement jirga decisions – Punish offenders by house burning – Maintain tribal law and order – Protect boundaries– Are considered peacemakers– Can negotiate with Taliban

• Arbakai are community police:– Defend against thieves/tribal enemies – Unpaid local volunteers – Community service/ no uniform

– Original model for VSO/ALP

Munoz 5 5/10

Tips for Dealing with Jirgas

• You can ask for a jirga to convene to discuss any problem or pitch your proposals

• Do not expect a decision in one sitting; building a consensus may take weeks or even months

• Some elders may grandstand in a jirga; meet them individually in private for more productive/honest exchange away from jirga peer pressure/ scrutiny

• Current role of jirgas varies greatly between localities; some are de facto local government, others have lost traditional power/ influence

• Not all jirga elders represent best interests of community; family/clan interests may predominate