Ahsan Arian covers the southeastern provinces of Khost, Paktia, and Paktika for RFE/RL’s Radio Free Afghanistan. He focuses on the region’s culture and unique social life.
Previously, those fighting in tribal conflicts volunteered out of clan loyalty and personal stakes. But changes in Afghan society have opened up such disputes to the gig economy, with mercenaries often paid to take the place of tribal members who live elsewhere.
