The Challenges to Nation-Building

in Afghanistan continues...

Since the 1920s, the Afghan state has defined an institutionalized,

partly non-tribal body, the Loya Jirga (Great Council) as the highest

representative body of the Afghan state. It may be viewed as a political

phenomenon, which owed its existence to the rulers’ efforts to establish a

central state. At the core of its genesis laid the basic tension between the

state and the tribe, between center and the periphery. Its composition has,

however, changed over time in accordance with state interests. Loya Jirgas

are of two types, one called by the people themselves at the time of

national crisis to deliberate and decide upon matters of war and peace,

43 election of an Amir or king and restoration of the national sovereignty

and national independence. Secondly, when circumstances compel the

ruler or leader to consult people with regard to urgent and important

matters, like enactment of fundamental law, ratification and endorsement

of treaties reached with outside powers and defense of territorial integrity

and national sovereignty. The Loya Jirga has some limitations as an

instrument for peace in a setting devoid of functioning state institutions.

On the other hand, it is particularly efficient at times of political stability,

enabling those in power to give their policies the veneer of broad popular acceptance.

Both the Jirga and the village council are scenes of political

maneuvering among khans that also occur constantly in less formal

settings. Where another form of local political organization that is

prevalent among non-tribal populations is the Islamic coalition that is

based on pir-murid relations. In such organizations a local pir may have

followers in several districts, may support each other in disputes within

local society or against the state. When religious leaders believe that Islam

is in danger from either a foreign power or the government, Islamic

coalitions come into play. Two traditionalist parties of Afghan resistance,

the National Islamic Front of Afghanistan and the Afghan National

Liberation Front were such country–wide Islamic coalitions. Their

leaders were the heads of the Gailani and the Mujadidi families.

To be continued...