Pashtun Men

     The Pashtunwali is the Pashtun code of life; both President Karzai and the Taliban are Pashtun.  To understand Pashtun thinking, we must understand the centuries-old code by which they live.  The Pashtunwali guides Pashtun behavior and action, but its rigorous standards make it difficult for even the staunchest Pashtun to obey in both letter and spirit, as expressed in the Pashtun Proverb, "To be a Pashtun is a curse, but not to be a Pashtun is a shame." Here are some examples:

Melmastia (Hospitality) - Show hospitality and profound respect to all visitors, regardless of race, religion, nationality or economic status, without any hope of remuneration or favor.  

Nanawatai (Asylum) - Protect any a person who requests it against his/her enemies at all costs, giving even those running from the law must refuge until their situation is clarified. Protect even the vanquished going to the house of the victor to ask their forgiveness. 

Badal (Justice) - Always seek justice or revenge against a wrongdoer, as long as the wrongdoer exists, whether the wrong was committed yesterday or 1,000 years ago. 

Tureh (Bravery) - Always defend your lands, property, family, and women from incursions wherever you reside. 

Sabat (Loyalty) - Always be loyal to your family, friends, and tribe members. Disloyalty is utterly shameful both for you and your family.

Namus (Honoring women) - Always defend the honor of Pashtun women, and protect them from verbal or physical abuse at any cost.