ABSTRACT
As described in Chapter 1 (‘the Afghan security dilemma’), the case of Ghor Province demonstrates how the line between the maintenance of local militia for protection, and the role of these groups in threatening other qawms (or in engaging in predation) is blurred. This chapter first provides basic information as to the topography, leaders and prominent ethnic groups in Ghor Province. It second sheds new light on the local fighting of summer 2004 between commanders Abdul Salaam Khan and Ahmad Khan Morghabi, illustrating the role of the central government in local violence through the legitimation and empowerment of local commanders. Indeed, Ahmad Khan Morghabi’s forces received new equipment as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, while his militia’s incorporation into the AMF spurred a graphic increase in demand for small arms in Ghor.
