A Boy in the Shadow of War: A Story of Tribe, Taliban, and America
In traditional, tribal societies, the birth of a son is not simply a private blessing but a symbol of power and a means for economic survival. The more sons a family has, the greater its standing within the tribe. This equates to possessing a private army during disputes over land, honor, pride, or any other tribal obsession. Perhaps it is from this belief that the discrimination against women and their relegation to second-class status in society originate. In the community where I was born and raised, the boy carries such importance that daughters are often regarded as commodities—sold or exchanged to secure brides or to finance the needs of the sons. When it comes to marriage, especially within the traditional Pashtun tribes of my birthplace, no regard is given to the groom’s age, social standing, or whether he already has wives and children. Nor does the daughter’s age—whether seven or fifteen—matter. If a suitor is willing to pay more, the father offers his daughter’s hand, bi...