Legitimate Violence and Illegitimate Violence. On Practices and Representations in the Afghan Crisis

It is held that violence & suffering can become part of the ordinary social order, as is the case among Afghan tribes that have gone from a traditional intertribal warfare system to participation in the jihad against Russian forces. Focus is on the Pachtaun tribe & their custom of pashtunwal...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Homme 1997-10, Vol.37, p.51-67
Main Author: Centlivres, Pierre
Format: Article
Language:fre
Subjects:
Afghanistan
Legitimation
Social Conflict
Traditional Societies
Violence
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:It is held that violence & suffering can become part of the ordinary social order, as is the case among Afghan tribes that have gone from a traditional intertribal warfare system to participation in the jihad against Russian forces. Focus is on the Pachtaun tribe & their custom of pashtunwali, a system that regulates responsibilities & sets up rules for honorable violence. Zulm (oppressive or tyrannical violence) & zur (force or coercion) are compared, & it is argued that men are judged for their prowess & courage. Attention is turned to the different expectations associated with the jihad. Men's honor in the jihad is said to be based on their potential sacrifice more than their courage, & the honor of victims, witnesses to violence, & martyrs are discussed. It is asserted that violence occurring after the defeat of the Russian invaders in 1992 has lost the legitimacy given to it by the jihad, & doubt is expressed that pre-jihad customs will be readopted. 31 References. Adapted from the source document.
ISSN:0439-4216