In this episode of Beyond the Frontline, Dr. Zahir Mirza takes listeners deep into the world of Pashtunwali—the centuries-old code of conduct that governs honor, justice, and social life among the Pashtuns. Far from a relic of the past, Pashtunwali continues to shape Afghan society, politics, and power dynamics in ways the media rarely captures.

We explore:

* The core principles of Pashtunwali and their historical roots.

* How it has been misrepresented, politicized, and abused by politicians, warlords, and even international actors.

* Its influence on post-2001 Afghan politics, governance, and local dispute resolution.

* Contemporary relevance: How Afghan communities navigate survival, justice, and honor under this code in 2025.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of Afghanistan beyond the headlines, seeing the country through the lens of its own cultural and social rules—a perspective often overlooked but essential to understanding its past, present, and future.

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