This is a prime example of what happens when outside foreign powers decide to intervene with nations that they don’t understand. When Britain drew the Durand line they didn’t have any regard for how it would affect the people of that region. Especially in a region so rich with tribal ties, the line has become problematic in that people’s loyalty lies more with their tribe than with either Pakistan or Afghanistan. However, Pakistan’s reasoning for building this wall is logical since they’re tired of the violence that comes along with Islamic group attacks, I’m not sure it’s fair to just divide a group of people like that. In addition, the border between the two states is very long so constructing a wall would cost lots of money and manpower. Not to mention, once it’s built, both countries are going to have to have people stationed along the wall as border patrol. I don’t think the wall should be built unless both countries are on board with it because both Pakistan and Afghanistan are going to be affected by its presence. You also have to think about the economic effects that a wall like this would have. Small business owners do business in both states, so if you take away half of their customers then their business is going to suffer which will have a negative effect on the citizens. Really what this all comes back to is the colonial era when Britain pretty much drew a line in the sand and said one half would be Afghanistan and the other would be Pakistan. It doesn’t work from a cultural standpoint and I’m not sure reinforcing that Durand line with a wall is the best idea.
