Is The Taliban Going Soft?

by Joel Hendon⁽¹⁷⁸⁾ Red Star

Many will recall, as we entered the fray in Afghanistan in 2002, news video shots of members of the Taliban beating an Afghan lady with a large stick on the street. It was reported that she had violated something about the strict clothing code of the Shariah Law. Her clothing, to western eyes, looked extremely modest, showing no ankles, legs, cleavage or anything else which should be considered immoral or seductive in any way. The strictness of their requirements toward women appeared to be totally barbaric. After reading more of the views held by those radical Islamists, it became clear that their treatment of women was completely uncivilized.

Many of their customs were found to be as the clothing requirements were, and these incidents were not in the least uncommon. After having been sorely defeated along with the al-Qaeda, the survivors fled to the rugged and mountainous terrain in western Pakistan.

Hillary Clinton, U.S. Secretary of State at a recent conference at the Hague, suggested that "moderate" members of the Taliban might be granted an honorable form of reconciliation if they gave up "extremism". Here is a brief portion from the New Zealand Herald of April 3, 2009:

Publicly, a Taliban spokesman yesterday rejected the American offer, describing it as "a lunatic idea". But preliminary talks between President Hamid Karzai's government and Taliban insurgents are already under way, and appear to have yielded a significant shift away from the Taliban's past obsession with repressive rules and punishments governing personal behaviour.

The Taliban are now prepared to commit themselves to refraining from banning girls' education, beating up taxi drivers for listening to Bollywood music, or measuring the length of men's beards, according to representatives of the Islamist movement.

It has been reported also that the Burqas worn by Afghan women would be highly recommended but not compulsory. These are major changes in their previous requirements and, this writer holds considerable doubts as to their sincerity. It appears to me to be rather irresponsible to allow them back into the Afghan society based on these unexpected changes. It sounds more as if it may be a Trojan Horse.

There are some reasons, however to feel there may be some degree of sincerity to their change of heart. One is, they have been living in caves and other unconventional shelter with a harsh lifestyle now for the past few years. I imagine the body odor is becoming difficult. Also, the fact that President Obama has assured that their hideouts will be obliterated has caused intense apprehension among them, according to Mullah Abdul Salaam Zaeefm, former Taliban ambassador to Pakistan and now a player in a Saudi sponsored peace initiative.

The shaky part of this new effort however, is the Taliban has always insisted upon being a part of government in Afghanistan. And, even though Mullah Zaeefm affirms they are now willing to forego any part of being in government, so long as the present government accepts conditions. They rather say they will agree to a government ruled by religious scholars and technocrats who meet with their approval, following a community meeting.

The current president, Karzai, whose term expires May 31 this year, may call a meeting of the elders next week.

My personal reservations of this situation are several. Although peace in the land is extremely needed and, I suspect desired by all, I cannot conceive of all these extremists truly having a change of heart. Their past interpretations of the Koran's teachings are so radical, it is difficult to believe they will be willing to accept such disparities. Rather, I fear they will pressure into power, those whose sympathies lean in their own direction.

It would indeed be criminal to see years of destruction and dying turned into a return of Taliban rule where al-Qaeda is free to re-enter the country.

Our prayer is they will have truly changed and peace may once more reign in a country where the people are free.

Webgazine Columnist.

Article submitted Friday, April 03, 2009 & read 23 times.

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» left by Anonymous (2 years 317 days ago.)

I can not believe the Taliban would be any different than they have ever been. Interesting article. Thank you Joel.

Linda DeWitt

» left by Anonymous (2 years 317 days ago.)

Thanks again Linda. I'm with you on this. I will believe it when I see it.

Joel

» left by Gary W. Halsey Sr. (2 years 315 days ago.)

Joel, I am in agreement with your comment and I quote, "I fear they will pressure into power, those whose sympathies lean in their own direction", I honestly don't think the Taliban knows what the term "Soft" is. To me, they are hardened criminals, and their leader, needs to be dealt with harshly. Their barbaric mannerisms should not be tolerated by anyone. I saw a clip about how they treat their women, but since that is all their women know, most of them accept it. At least that is what the clip showed in the interview with a Taliban woman. She said it was their law, and that is the way it is, and she is alright with that....pretty sad huh? Well my friend, I love the article, and as usual, I always learn something from you....your pal, and fan.......Gary....this was a great article. plenty of food for thought.

» left by Anonymous (2 years 315 days ago.)

Thank you friend Gary, for your reading and commenting. Yes, I think the Afghan people will make a sad mistake to allow them back in, especially under their own terms. You know, I am becoming very concerned that neither Afghanistan nor Iraq, will ever remain anything near a democracy once our troops leave either place. I'm not sure that the people are ready for it. For certain Shariah law is incompatible with democracy and I'm not sure they want to change. If I'm correct, we may just be in for a permanent warfare, Those radicals want us dead and the moderates seem not to want to do anything about them.

Joel

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