WARRING TRIBES.

Evening Star, Issue 20089, 1 February 1929, Page 8

WARRING TRIBES.

Chaos prevails in Afghanistan. On the face of it, the throne of the country does not seem to bo a very attractive proposition, it is a job in which the risks seem greatly to outweigh the advantages; yet there arc foin claimants in the iield to-day, with a fifth appearing above the horizon. When the conditions that normally prevail in the country are taken into consideration surprise is leit that Amanullah should have embarked on the stormy sea of reform. Though Afghanistan is almost entirely Mohammedan in religion, it is composed of a medley of warring tribes, who need i o invitiltion to raise the standard of revolt. Amanullah throw down the gauntlet with ins Occidental notions, and to-day he is on the list of deposed kings. Those who are now striving for the crown are trying to win the support of the Duranis, Ghilzais, Yusufzais, Tajiks, Hindkis, Jats, Kizilbashes, and Turco-Porsians. These are the chief tribes, and to obtain any sort of unanimity among them now that they have broken loose seems a hopeless task. The Afghans proper, though divided into tribes, form a great majority of the population. They claim descent from King Saul, and call themselves “ Bani Israel ” ; but though their features are of a Jewish type, and some of their customs have a curious analogy to those of the Jews, their language belongs to the Aryan family, Jt is satisfactory ro note that in tho present trouble, which has arisen so largely from opposition to tho introduction of Western customs, littlo hostility has been manifested to foreigners. If the fighting continues, however, there is no guarantee that this immunity can be maintained. The British Government, realising this, has made preparations for the evacuation of foreigners, and they will be taken away by air should the circumstances suggest that this course “is” advisable. As was the case in China in the recent trouble, the burden and tho responsibility will fall on Britain, who seems to be as much concerned for the safety of foreigners as she is for that of her own pooj le. Notwithstanding tho sneers of the Geiman Press, the policy of tho British Government Is marked by traditional impartiality and rectitude. Sir Piston Chamberlain’s statement in tho House of Commons on Wednesday was couched in language similar to that employed on several occasions when speaking on tho Chinese crisis. lie said!that,Britain.desired tho establish-

merit of a strong Central Government in Afghanistan, and she would be prepared, when that Government was established, to show her friendship for the Afghan people by giving such assistance as she could in the reconstruction and development of the country. Our interest in Afghanistan and its affairs is naturally very great, for a stable and friendly Government in the country is important to our Indian Empire. When the tumult and the lighting have passed reconstruction will be an urgent need, and in this Britain, because of geographical advantages, should ho able to help very materially.