As the United States’ war in Afghanistan enters its 16th year, the Taliban insurgency shows no signs of waning; therefore it is worth deliberating aspects of the movement that have been ignored or forgotten by the West. Pashtuns, many of whom are loyal Taliban members, are an integral part of the instability that has wracked Afghanistan for generations. This paper seeks to understand the Pashtuns in Afghanistan and Pakistan, exploring their role in any resolution to the war.