Abstract:
The purpose of this thesis is to analyze how the Afghan government's relationship with the Pashtun communities affects the group's acquiescence and support, thereby creating a less belligerent and more stable environment. The emphasis on the Pashtun communities is especially relevant due to their historical role as king maker, as well as the leaderships primary threat of delegitimization and conflict. To fully understand how the current Karzai government's relationship with the Pashtun communities has failed to create conditions amenable to stability and has generally fostered an environment of discord and conflict, this analysis will utilize a comparative approach. The comparison under question will examine the central government's relationship with the Pashtun communities during a period of stability and strong government â tribal relations, that of the Musahiban monarchy (1929 â 1963). The examination of this period will provide distinctions in the relationship under analysis, in an effort to draw attention to aspects of the current relationship under Karzai (and his US backers) that hinder stability and support continued conflict and turmoil. Although the rejection of foreign occupiers plays a primary role in why Pashtuns have join the insurgency, this analysis will examine the specific policies and actions by Karzai and his US benefactors that have pushed Pashtuns to reject the central government.
