The Complex Cultural Norms Of Afghan Male Affection

In Afghanistan, it is customary for men to kiss each other on the cheek as a greeting. In addition, the practice of bacha bazi, which involves men buying and keeping adolescent boys for entertainment and sex, has been documented in the country. This practice, also known as boy play or playing with boys, has been reported in various provinces of Afghanistan and is considered a form of child sexual abuse. While bacha bazi was outlawed during the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan period and under Taliban rule, it has persisted despite these prohibitions.

The practice of bacha bazi or bachabaze, which involves men buying and keeping boys for entertainment and sex

Young boys, often from poor families, are forced to sell their bodies and dancing skills to support their families. They are called Bacha Bareesh, or beardless boys, and are dressed up as females, wearing makeup and women's clothing, to dance at men's parties. They are often taken from their families under the pretense of providing them with an education and a better life. The boys are usually orphans or from impoverished families, and they are typically between the ages of 10 and 18.

These boys are passed around among powerful men for sexual gratification, and the power imbalance puts them in a vulnerable position. The men who engage in bacha bazi are often wealthy and influential, including former Mujahidin commanders, governors, ministers, police chiefs, and military commanders. They may keep multiple boys as a display of power and wealth.

When the boys reach the age of 19 or start growing beards, they are released by their owners and expected to continue with their lives. However, the psychological damage and social isolation caused by years of abuse make it difficult for them to reintegrate into society. They face social stigma and struggle with the long-term psychological effects of their abuse.

Bacha bazi was outlawed during the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan period and under Taliban rule, carrying the death penalty. However, the practice has persisted, and there have been few attempts by the authorities to clamp down on it. While some Afghans believe that bacha bazi violates Islamic law due to its homosexual nature, others argue that Islam only forbids sexual relations between men, not between men and boys.

The tradition of bacha bazi has been distorted over time due to poverty and tragedies in Afghan society, and it now represents a severe violation of human and children's rights. Efforts to eradicate the practice have been challenging due to the deep roots of this custom in Afghan culture and the corruption within the Afghan government, police, and military systems.

The tradition of dancing boys in Afghanistan, where boys dance in women's clothing and are often sexually abused

In Afghanistan, there is a long-standing tradition of "bacha bazi", which translates to "boy play". Boys, usually orphans or from poor families, are made to dress in women's clothing and dance for entertainment at parties, including weddings. These boys are often sexually abused and kept in a form of sexual slavery by their "owners" or "masters", who are often wealthy and powerful men.

The tradition of bacha bazi has deep roots in Afghanistan and is said to be up to a thousand years old. It was banned under Taliban rule but has since resurfaced and is now widespread, especially in the north of the country and in cities such as Kabul. The boys, known as "bachas", are typically aged between 12 and 19 and are often rejected by their families. They are usually released from their role as bachas at the age of 19, when they can get married, but they continue to face stigma and struggle with the psychological effects of their abuse.

The "owners" or "masters" of the bachas are often single or married men who keep them as concubines. They dress the boys in women's clothing, including skirts, bells, and makeup, and make them dance to traditional songs with suggestive lyrics. The boys are then passed around among the men after the parties and taken to hotel rooms where they are sexually abused.

Despite the fact that bacha bazi is illegal under Afghan law and carries the death penalty under Taliban law, it persists due to a lack of enforcement and complicit police officers. Powerful warlords and businessmen who engage in this practice are rarely punished, and the authorities seem powerless to stop it.

The practice of bacha bazi has been condemned by religious scholars and human rights groups as a form of child abuse and sexual slavery. It is considered a status symbol among some Afghan warlords, who view the boys as possessions and a display of their wealth and power. The boys themselves often feel trapped, facing social stigma and rejection from their families and society if they try to escape.

Efforts have been made to address the issue, including an agreement between the United Nations and Afghanistan in 2011 to end the practice and an investigation by the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission. However, the tradition continues, fueled by poverty and the vulnerability of orphaned and impoverished children.

The prevalence of sex between Afghan men and boys, despite it being considered taboo in the strict version of Islam practiced in the country

In Afghanistan, the prevalence of sex between men and boys is considered taboo in the strict version of Islam practised in the country. However, despite this, the practice is still commonplace.

Bacha bazi, which translates to "boy play", is a custom in Afghanistan and historical Turkestan in which men buy and keep adolescent boys for entertainment and sex. The boys, known as "dancing boys", are often forced to dress in women's clothing and dance for men at parties. They are then taken to hotels and sexually abused. This practice has been around for centuries and is considered a severe violation of human rights.

The boys who are forced into this practice are usually from poor families and are targeted by powerful men who use them as status symbols. The men often justify their actions by claiming that they are not in love with the boys, so it does not count as homosexuality, which is forbidden in Islam. However, some Afghans do believe that bacha bazi violates Islamic law, while others believe that Islam only forbids a man from having sex with another man, not a boy.

During the Taliban's rule, bacha bazi was outlawed and carried the death penalty. However, the laws were rarely enforced against powerful offenders, and the practice continued. After the Taliban was removed from power, there were reports of commanders openly having halekon (young, beautiful males). Despite the Taliban's return to power, there is little hope that bacha bazi will come to an end, as the practice continues to operate without consequences for the perpetrators.

The prevalence of sex between men and boys in Afghanistan is often overlooked due to the country's strict gender segregation and lack of contact with women. Additionally, powerful militias and a corrupt judicial system have made it difficult to eradicate the practice. Efforts to criminalise bacha bazi have been met with resistance, and the law's implementation remains challenging due to cultural approval and fear of revenge.

The custom of men holding hands in Afghanistan, which is seen as a normal expression of friendship

In Afghanistan, it is customary for men to hold hands as an expression of friendship. This tradition may come as a surprise to those from Western cultures, but it is an accepted form of greeting and affection between male friends in Afghanistan.

When two men greet each other, they will shake hands and kiss each other on the cheek. Depending on how well they know each other, they may also embrace. It is common to see adult males holding hands in public, whether they are walking down the street or discussing business matters in a formal setting, such as an office or workplace. This custom is not limited to casual friendships but also extends to professional relationships.

The practice of men holding hands in Afghanistan is rooted in the country's cultural and religious norms. Afghanistan is a predominantly Muslim country, and in Islamic cultures, gender segregation is common. As a result, boys and men often seek affection from other males, as they are separated from females at a young age. This dynamic is reflected in the custom of men holding hands, which serves as a way for males to express camaraderie and solidarity.

It is important to note that the custom of men holding hands in Afghanistan is not indicative of sexual orientation. Homosexuality is taboo and rarely acknowledged in Afghanistan, and same-sex physical affection is not necessarily associated with romantic or sexual attraction. Instead, it is a way for men to demonstrate their friendship and unity within the community.

However, it is essential to acknowledge that Afghanistan has a history of sexual abuse against young boys, known as "bacha bazi" or "bachabaze," which translates to "boy play." This practice involves older men exploiting adolescent boys for entertainment and sexual purposes, often through coercion and sexual slavery. Despite being outlawed and carrying severe penalties, including the death penalty under Taliban rule, bacha bazi continues to persist in some parts of Afghanistan, perpetuated by powerful and wealthy individuals.

In conclusion, while the custom of men holding hands in Afghanistan is a normal expression of friendship, it is crucial to be aware of the broader cultural context, including the existence of bacha bazi, to understand the complexities and nuances of male physical affection in Afghan society.

The issue of child sexual abuse by Afghan allies and the role of US soldiers in addressing or ignoring this problem

Afghanistan has a long history of child sexual abuse, particularly among armed commanders who dominate much of the rural landscape and can bully the population. The practice, known as bacha bazi or "boy play", involves men buying and keeping adolescent boys for entertainment and sex. While it was outlawed during the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan period and under the Taliban, the laws were seldom enforced, and the practice continued.

US soldiers in Afghanistan have been instructed to ignore child sexual abuse carried out by their Afghan allies, except when rape is being used as a weapon of war. This policy of non-intervention is intended to maintain good relations with the Afghan police and militia units that the US has trained to fight the Taliban. However, it has led to US soldiers arming and placing pedophiles in positions of power, such as village commanders.

Some US soldiers who have tried to intervene have faced disciplinary action, or even career ruin. For example, Capt. Dan Quinn was relieved of his Special Forces command after beating an Afghan militia commander who had a boy as a sex slave chained to his bed. Sgt. First Class Charles Martland, who joined Quinn in the beating, is facing forced retirement. In another case, Marine Maj. Jason Brezler was punished for sending an email warning about a police commander's penchant for abusing boys.

The US military's indifference to child sexual abuse by Afghan allies has been criticised by a US government watchdog, which noted that two-thirds of those interviewed for a report were aware of child sexual assault incidents by Afghan security forces. Despite this, the US Department of Defense has continued to provide aid to units implicated in gross human rights violations, citing national security concerns.

The issue of child sexual abuse in Afghanistan is complex and deeply entrenched, and the role of US soldiers in addressing or ignoring the problem has been controversial and subject to scrutiny. While some argue that imposing American cultural values in Afghanistan is inappropriate, others believe that the US military has a responsibility to protect children from abuse, even when perpetrated by their allies.

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