The Pashtunwali Code in "Lone Survivor"

The Pashtunwali Code in "Lone Survivor"

             In the movie the Lone Survivor an American Navy SEALs team is ambushed during a secret operation in rural Afghanistan. This ambush lead by the Taliban killed 19 American soldiers leaving only one Navy SEAL alive. This movie is based on a true story depicted by the real life survivor Marcus Luttrel. The main reason Marcus was the only survivor from the mission was because he was protected by a group of Taliban opposed villagers. These people protected Marcus from the heavily armed Taliban fighters because of a 2,000 year old code of honour these rural Pashtun villagers have. This is called the Pashtunwali code which is based on ten principles of hospitality, asylum, justice, bravery, loyalty, righteousness, respect, honour, courage and the protection of women. These strangers sacrificed their own lives to protect Marcus all because of their cultural pact and beliefs. This shows the commitment the Pashtun people have to their belief in their own culture and Pashtunwali code. These villagers followed their code for no benefit to them and saved the life of an American soldier out of their own generosity and honour.