The Balkhel-Sabari Feud: A Decades-Long Conflict in Afghanistan
For decades, two neighboring Afghan tribes, the Balkhel and Sabari, have been embroiled in a violent blood feud that has claimed the lives of around 200 people. The origins of the feud are shrouded in conflicting accounts, with the Balkhel claiming it began over half a century ago, while the Sabari insist it started in 1998.
History of Violence
The feud between the Balkhel and Sabari tribes has led to violence spilling back and forth across the Pashtun-dominated provinces of Khost and Paktia in eastern Afghanistan. The conflict, fueled by a deep sense of honor and revenge, has torn apart communities and undermined the rule of law.
The Code of Honor: Pashtunwali
The Pashtun tribes adhere to a code of honor known as “Pashtunwali,” which emphasizes values such as vengeance, independence, loyalty, and hospitality. This ancient code plays a significant role in fueling and perpetuating feuds like the one between the Balkhel and Sabari.
- Women, wealth, and land are often at the center of Pashtun conflicts.
- Pashtun poet Khushal Khan Khattak highlighted the importance of upholding honor in times of trouble.
- Modern Pashtun culture is marked by sayings that emphasize the significance of honor and revenge.
The Role of the Taliban Government
With the establishment of the Taliban government in Afghanistan, efforts have been made to mediate and resolve long-standing feuds like the one between the Balkhel and Sabari tribes. The Taliban’s intervention has led to a ceasefire and ongoing peacekeeping efforts in the region.
- The Taliban government reportedly resolved around 200 feuds in 2023.
- A council of local leaders mediated the ceasefire between the Balkhel and Sabari tribes.
- Efforts are underway to address the core dispute and prevent further bloodshed.
The Quest for Peace
Despite years of violence and animosity, there is a growing realization among both tribes that peace is the only way forward. The taste of peace, albeit fleeting, offers a glimpse of hope for a future free from the shackles of conflict.
“We are tired of war; they, too, are tired,” said a Balkhel chief. “Peace has its own taste, and we have experienced it.”
