This monograph examines alternative approaches to U.S. COIN operations in the eastern Pashtun tribal areas in Afghanistan that are sensitive to and inclusive of the key elements of the Pashtun code of Pashtunwali. The author reviews Pashtuns and their code of conduct, Pashtunwali, to explain how Pashtuns live and interact within their environment in Afghanistan. This review provides a historical perspective and context for an examination of U.S. operations from 2007 to 2009 in the eastern Pashtun tribal areas, focusing on the provinces of Kunar and Nuristan. Two alternative approaches, one which focuses on engaging tribes individually and one which focuses on the development of governance at the district level, are also evaluated to determine if the respective approaches offer a better way to accomplish the stated objectives of the clear-hold-build approach and the underlying supporting tasks. Research revealed that U.S. COIN operations do not effectively engage Pashtuns because the clear-hold-build approach as applied is not sensitive to or inclusive of key elements of Pashtunwali. Both alternative approaches are sensitive to and inclusive of Pashtuns and Pashtunwali and because of this are more likely to yield positive results in a COIN environment in Afghanistan.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)