The effect of this upheaval, from the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan to the internal mayhem, was threefold. First, it brought 4 million refugees into Pakistan. Second, it sparked the emergence of the Taliban in 1995. Third, it led to the coalescing of the international mujahideen into al Qaeda, with reinforcements coming from the newly independent Central Asian Republics, the discontented Chechens, and several Arab countries.”
In contemporary world, ‘Talibanization’ is the buzzword that is dominating the world press. Every time a suicide attack or other such violent attack against the Government or the civilian population is carried out, the incident is immediately labelled as the one perpetrated by the Taliban. It is thought provoking question that is rumbling in the minds of Pakistanis that what has happened to this land of ‘pure people’; where are the humanistic traditions of Sufis (mystics & saints) -peace, love, & live and let live - that once defined our cultural & social identity, are gone?; who is to be blamed for the contemporary sorry state of affairs?; who are Taliban & who created these daredevils?; finally yet importantly, what’s the solution to this problem?
Definition
Talibanization is a newly coined word following the rise of the Taliban movement in Afghanistan. It refers to the process in which other religious groups or movements come to follow or imitate the strict practices of the Taliban. In its original usage, Talibanization referred to groups who followed Taliban practices such as:
1) Intolerance of other sects particularly Shia sect.
2) Strict regulation of women, including formal schooling & most of the employments.
3) The destruction of non-Muslim artifacts, especially carvings and statues such as Buddhas of Bamyan, generally tolerated by other Muslims, on the grounds that the artifacts are idolatrous or ‘Shirk’ (polytheism).
4) The banning of activities (especially hairstyles and clothing) generally tolerated by other Muslims on the grounds that the activities are Western.
5) Persecution of Minorities (such as Hindus & Christians).
Historical Perspective: The Unfortunate Event of 1979
1979 was most unfortunate event in the history of Pakistan – even more than 1971 - & it opened the Pandora’s Box, unleashing seminal challenges for Pakistan.
Fallout of Afghan Crisis
A chain reaction of threats to both National security of Pakistan & to International community erupted from these crises such as:
Threats posed to National Security
• Proliferation of Kalashinkov & Narcotics culture in Pakistan
• Deterioration of law & order situation
• Taliban became autonomous
• It fuelled Sectarian violence which in turn eroded the pacifist social fabric of society.
Threats posed to International Community
• Afghanistan became a hideout for criminals of countries like Russia & Iran, & many other central Asian & Arab countries, who were engaged in subversive activities against the state.
• The militancy, sectarianism & orthodoxy were exported to neighbouring countries notably, China, Iran & Russia.
• Many militant groups spawned up such as Al-Qaida. According to a research report titled "How the CIA created Osama bin Laden" published in Green Left Weekly, “The origins of Al-Qaida can be traced to the Soviet war in Afghanistan. The United States viewed the conflict in Afghanistan, with the Afghan Marxists and allied Soviet troops on one side and the native Afghan mujahedeen on the other, as a blatant case of Soviet expansionism and aggression. The U.S. channelled funds through Pakistan’s ISI to the native Afghan mujahedeen fighting the Soviet occupation in a CIA program called Operation Cyclone.”
Dr. Abdul Sattar, former foreign Minister of Pakistan has beautifully summed up the creation of Taliban in these words in his book “Pakistan’s Foreign Policy”
Talibanisation is a Multidimensional problem so it needs a comprehensive solution. At national level the Government must ensure inclusion of Tribal areas in the mainstream by ending their autonomous status; improve the socio-economic uplift of the area, especially focusing upon fully functioning, responsive & user-friendly administrative machinery.
“The glorification of the Mujahideen, however sincere on the part of many in Pakistan, & expedient and cynical on that of the United States with its sole aim of defeating the Soviets, Proved equally short-sighted & damaging for both.”
Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan
Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan is the main Taliban militant umbrella group in Pakistan primarily in conflict with the Government that was created after the bloodstained episode of Military operation on Lal Masjid. Among the group's stated objectives are resistance against the Pakistani army, enforcement of sharia and unification against NATO forces in Afghanistan.
Causes of Taliban’ ephemeral but sweeping Success: The main causes of their success were:
1) Through quick dispensation of Social justice they enticed the local population into believing that they were a viable alternative to the Government.
2) Using the Enforcement of Sharia law as their stated political motivation, they beguiled the common people to enlist their support.
3) By cashing in on the dissatisfaction of common man with the administrative machinery of the Government due to Perceived Corruption & red-tapism etc.
The measures adopted by the Taliban to execute their objectives were devoid of maturity of thought & were marred with impulsive action & the local population soon grew fed-up of their preposterous acts - that too all in the name of Religion.
“We need to understand that the root cause of extremism and militancy lies in political injustice, denial and deprivation. Political injustice to a nation or a people, when combined with stark poverty and illiteracy, makes for an explosive mix. It produces an acute sense of hopelessness and powerlessness. A nation suffering from these lethal ills is easily available for the propagation of militancy and the perpetration of extremist, terrorist acts. It is cannon fodder in a war of terrorism.”
- Gen (R). Pervaiz Musharraf
Former President of Pakistan
While expounding his views on “Enlightened Moderation”
Military Operations & Peace Deals
Under the pressure of Global community, especially the U.S & the NATO, Pakistan decided to launch Military operation against the Taliban in its Autonomous Tribal Belt.
The Military came down hard upon the Taliban & a peace deal with the Taliban was signed at Sara Roga in 2005 that was soon revoked. A similar deal was also signed at Bajaur that also met with similar fate.
Pakistan’s Fatal Blunders
Some of them are as under:
1) The Government acted too late against the provocations of Taliban e.g. at first Maulana Fazllulah (son of law of Maulana Sufi Mohammad) was allowed by the Government to operate illegal FM radio channel.
2) Government acted impulsively on many occasions, most notably during Lal Masjid Crisis. That bloody episode could have been avoided by simply chocking their supplies through besieging them.
Fatal Blunder on the Part of U.S & NATO
The Death of Baitullah Mehsood in a drone attack is indeed the only episode that mollified some of the criticism by Pakistan. Actually these drone attacks are serving the cause of Taliban by providing them the justification to resist.
Solution
Talibanisation is a Multidimensional problem so it needs a comprehensive solution. At national level the Government must ensure inclusion of Tribal areas in the mainstream by ending their autonomous status; improve the socio-economic uplift of the area, especially focusing upon fully functioning, responsive & user-friendly administrative machinery. Some other measures are as follow:
1) Madrissas (Religions seminaries) must be incorporated in the mainstream educational system.
2) Ulemas from all sects must come forward to create an environment of sectarian harmony & peaceful coexistence in order to preclude any such situation which could be exploited the terrorists.
3) Military operation is only a short term solution; the long term solution is to promote a vision of peace & national solidarity against the perverse & myopic vision of Taliban.
4) Media must enlighten the masses regarding the pros & cons of the Talibanisation & the military operation.
Responsibilities of U.S & NATO
1) An Early solution of Kashmir Problem will take the wind out of Taliban’s sail, since they derive much of public support due to Kashmir Issue.
2) Simply assassinating the Taliban commanders is not a durable solution because after the assassination of Nek Muhammad, Abdullah Mehsud took over & after the Security forces managed to get rid of him, Baitullah Mehsud led the Taliban to new heights. Therefore that breeding ground must be drained which is continually producing such misguided souls.
3) The international community must support Pakistan by strengthening its energy-starved economy.
The Silver lining to this problem
If there is any silver lining to Talibanisation, it is this growing realisation that there are many black sheep in our ranks who are exploiting religion for achieving their own political agendas. After carrying out the attacks on moderate Clerics like Maulana Sarfraz Naimi & suicide attacks in densely populated areas & innocent citizens, the Taliban have further marginalised themselves & now one can hardly find any such misguided souls who justify the atrocities of Taliban; this is itself a sign of success!
Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan
Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan is the main Taliban militant umbrella group in Pakistan primarily in conflict with the Government that was created after the bloodstained episode of Military operation on Lal Masjid. Among the group's stated objectives are resistance against the Pakistani army, enforcement of sharia and unification against NATO forces in Afghanistan.
Causes of Taliban’ ephemeral but sweeping Success: The main causes of their success were:
1) Through quick dispensation of Social justice they enticed the local population into believing that they were a viable alternative to the Government.
2) Using the Enforcement of Sharia law as their stated political motivation, they beguiled the common people to enlist their support.
3) By cashing in on the dissatisfaction of common man with the administrative machinery of the Government due to Perceived Corruption & red-tapism etc.
The measures adopted by the Taliban to execute their objectives were devoid of maturity of thought & were marred with impulsive action & the local population soon grew fed-up of their preposterous acts - that too all in the name of Religion.
“We need to understand that the root cause of extremism and militancy lies in political injustice, denial and deprivation. Political injustice to a nation or a people, when combined with stark poverty and illiteracy, makes for an explosive mix. It produces an acute sense of hopelessness and powerlessness. A nation suffering from these lethal ills is easily available for the propagation of militancy and the perpetration of extremist, terrorist acts. It is cannon fodder in a war of terrorism.”
- Gen (R). Pervaiz Musharraf
Former President of Pakistan
While expounding his views on “Enlightened Moderation”
Military Operations & Peace Deals
Under the pressure of Global community, especially the U.S & the NATO, Pakistan decided to launch Military operation against the Taliban in its Autonomous Tribal Belt.
The Military came down hard upon the Taliban & a peace deal with the Taliban was signed at Sara Roga in 2005 that was soon revoked. A similar deal was also signed at Bajaur that also met with similar fate.
Pakistan’s Fatal Blunders
Some of them are as under:
1) The Government acted too late against the provocations of Taliban e.g. at first Maulana Fazllulah (son of law of Maulana Sufi Mohammad) was allowed by the Government to operate illegal FM radio channel.
2) Government acted impulsively on many occasions, most notably during Lal Masjid Crisis. That bloody episode could have been avoided by simply chocking their supplies through besieging them.
Fatal Blunder on the Part of U.S & NATO
The Death of Baitullah Mehsood in a drone attack is indeed the only episode that mollified some of the criticism by Pakistan. Actually these drone attacks are serving the cause of Taliban by providing them the justification to resist.
Solution
Talibanisation is a Multidimensional problem so it needs a comprehensive solution. At national level the Government must ensure inclusion of Tribal areas in the mainstream by ending their autonomous status; improve the socio-economic uplift of the area, especially focusing upon fully functioning, responsive & user-friendly administrative machinery. Some other measures are as follow:
1) Madrissas (Religions seminaries) must be incorporated in the mainstream educational system.
2) Ulemas from all sects must come forward to create an environment of sectarian harmony & peaceful coexistence in order to preclude any such situation which could be exploited the terrorists.
3) Military operation is only a short term solution; the long term solution is to promote a vision of peace & national solidarity against the perverse & myopic vision of Taliban.
4) Media must enlighten the masses regarding the pros & cons of the Talibanisation & the military operation.
Responsibilities of U.S & NATO
1) An Early solution of Kashmir Problem will take the wind out of Taliban’s sail, since they derive much of public support due to Kashmir Issue.
2) Simply assassinating the Taliban commanders is not a durable solution because after the assassination of Nek Muhammad, Abdullah Mehsud took over & after the Security forces managed to get rid of him, Baitullah Mehsud led the Taliban to new heights. Therefore that breeding ground must be drained which is continually producing such misguided souls.
3) The international community must support Pakistan by strengthening its energy-starved economy.
The Silver lining to this problem
If there is any silver lining to Talibanisation, it is this growing realisation that there are many black sheep in our ranks who are exploiting religion for achieving their own political agendas. After carrying out the attacks on moderate Clerics like Maulana Sarfraz Naimi & suicide attacks in densely populated areas & innocent citizens, the Taliban have further marginalised themselves & now one can hardly find any such misguided souls who justify the atrocities of Taliban; this is itself a sign of success!
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