Taliban And The Reign Of Terror
77
In February 2009, after Taliban took over Swat valley in northern Pakistan, this former tourist resort and it’s peaceful villages, were forced to live under strict traditional Islamic law. Floggings and other physical punishments were imposed and a crude form of gun justice prevailed.
At this time, a mobile video was released showing a girl named Chaand, believed to be aged 17, being publicly flogged on suspicion of having an illicit relationship with a married man. "She came out of her house with another guy who was not her husband, so we punished her. There are boundaries you cannot cross," claimed the Taliban spokesman when later reached on the phone.
This blog is dedicated to her and all women like her who have suffered countless hardships under the Taliban regime.
Her legs feel like lead as she’s slowly dragged towards the town square. The sun beats down merciless on her burqa-clad head, almost as relentless as the hard grip of the militant carrying a Kalashnikov next to her. There are eyes everywhere..... watching her.... appraising her..... a mixture of undisguised dread and horror staring back at her.
Do they pity her or are they just curious to partake in this show of brutal justice that Taliban have put on for them? Yet, she can sense fear in the still air, not just her own but that of those around her.
She can almost taste it against her dry mouth: cold dark, caustic..... it's the helpless fear of the suppressed against a power too strong and alien for them to resist, let alone understand. Despair, like a grey mist lies at her trembling feet, as she slowly treads towards her doom….like falling into a dark bottomless pit from which there is no return.
Someone has pushed her to the ground now, her limbs pinned down with steel like force. She recognizes one man, the one holding her feet, as her own brother. Having grown up and played together as children, she would know his hands anywhere. He hangs his head low now, too scared to challenge the Taliban judgment that his sister has brought ‘dishonor’ to the family and must be publicly flogged for it.
Another man with a long beard is muttering an Arabic prayer…the words reaching her in a muffled haze in which her own beating heart is the loudest. Panic chokes her; her slim body is shaking with terror that makes her bones rattle to their very core.
Someone must stop this…must see the horrible injustice of it all! But no one does. And slowly, with brutal force, the whips begin to fall..
"Please stop it," she begs, whimpering in pain. "Either kill me or stop it now." The crowd of men form a tense circle around her - faceless witnesses to this crime. Another voice issues instructions: "Hold her legs tightly," he says as she writhes under the blows.
And 34 times the leather cracks..... A year of her life taken away with each.
Did god in some remote place above witness this horror, and long to reach out and put an end to it? Or was he too like the mute stander by looking on, condemning her to this hard judgment? Why didn’t the whole world cave in at this cruel and ruthless deed…more, how could these men stand and watch the death of an innocent soul, only to go back to their lives without the guilt of blood on their hands?
They did…and so did the gods in their private receding heaven. While the whip kept cutting through her skin, while the humiliation of the act marked a million scars on her being that would follow her to her grave. Bleeding forever.
And her screams rose and fell with each stinging lash, heedless, unheard…while her tears soaked the cloth of her shame… melting into the hot parched sand below her. Wasted away..... in that arid land where tears and blood mingle together every day....... and where there is no mercy from man and god alike.
Since the release of the flogging video, there have been massive protests all over pakistan against the taliban invasion in its north.
The Military is currently engaged in an offensive against them, having reclaimed Swat valley from Taliban stronghold. Chaand was later brought to lahore for a trial; the facts of the case are unverified to this day.
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Thank you for this HUB, It is a stark reminder that there are evils in the world that we as free peoples must stand up against. God Bless and Gods Speed to the Pakistan Army on their current Operations they are in my thoughts and prayers..
thank you Richi and Hmrjmr1 for reading...I'm not sure if war is the answer, but yes, the common man continues to suffer nevertheless....peace to all! cheers for stopping by!
This was yet another great hub. I work with a woman from Iran, and shes told me simiular stories. That's a hard place to live, and there is no reason for it. Outstanding job!
the tragedy is that Pakistan was never a typical muslim country (unlike arab ones) but its culture was/still is essentially indian, till of course the war in afghanistan sprouted these taliban all over the land and who are slowly destroying it now. anyway, cheers for reading blood....u know your support means the world to me!
We live in our own little cubicles most of the time forgetting that others are not as fortunate. Really helps to put things into perspective. Thanks for the reminder.
This is a very interesting hub. I think there is abuse of Islamic rules there in Swat which surely must be stopped. All terrorism, anywhere and any kind, must be condemned and stopped.
This tragic tale was so beautifully told that in my heart of hearts I wanted to do something to help this woman. However, I may just be a dreamer and dream of a world where peace rains over all the lands and there is no more injustice done. I will continue to pray for peace. Your writing is so good that reading your stories is like watching a movie for me. Great job.
Another great hub. Once again you capture the anguish. It wasn't that long ago that we in the west were permitted to beat women with a stick provided it was no thicker than the thumb. We have learnt better (I hope). May such understanding come to all people of our planet.
A very warm thank you to all for reading and taking the time to comment.
ehern, yes, being open to human suffering does make you value what you have...so I suppose there is some 'purpose' to it all...!
agusfanani, I too agree that terrorism must be condemned, but I really don't know if wars are helping matters. After all, pakistan was a very moderate state, till the russian invasion of afghanistan. my concern is the ordinary men, women and children caught in between...wish we could somehow protect them through this.
ah wesley, my dear friend....I always value your feedback. it's so much better to dream of happier places.....and may they one day translate into reality!
HT....a smile on my face as always when i read anything from you! everyone has different sides to them...and just like you, I too have this part which is deeply sensitive and 'old' and very vulnerable too. but yes, when u see so much human misery so close, u just begin to enjoy the little joys of life...and everyday struggles can never affect your peace of mind anymore...xx
last, but not least, cally2 I know what u mean...human nature is the same everywhere..and all societies go through a slow evolving process. and foreign invasion doesn't help either...! anyway, peace to all...and all my love..
Tears in my eyes
As a Muslim I am disagree with what they did. Any kind of terror is unforgivable. Taliban is too extreme. With fellow Muslims still do terror. I hope the terror will end...amen
thanks quirky and prasetio for reading and feeling with me....just a silent warm hug...x
This hub just sent chills, I'm so thankful that I don't live there. Thank you for making me aware how awful things are there for women.
I dont know what to say. Oppression is the desire for full control. But the army is starting to fight back against this oppression. I wish the best for your Country.
What we deem here in the States as an "issue" is insignificant and petty in comparison to Chaand's ill-treatment. You have such a talent for narration, myownworld, and the compassion to empathize with others. Thank you for sharing this.
thank you flightkeeper, friendlyword and dohn for reading... unfortunately, it wasn't always like that...just since the war in afghanistan....but hope is a very stubborn thing and lives in the hearts of men even in the worst of situations, so all is not lost. Anyway, cheers for stopping by...all my love.
Great hub. Being an Indian, I know what Pakistanis are undergoing for no fault of theirs and though we are different countries the culture is still the same. There is no hatredness people to people but its the politicians who have ruined it. Taliban will face its end sooner than later. Nothing is permamnent. Keep up the good work.
jay..do u know my father is from Raajistan? (and so I'm half indian too). Yes, the average man everywhere is the same...just paying the price of bad decisions by those in power. peace to everyone! thanks for reading and understanding...
A well told horror story. I just have no words to convey my feelings, well I do, but not appropriate here, too blue. And in my understanding, God does not look upon sin, this is sinful. His angels see it and report, still it makes one wonder how he could allow such things and worse.
What a horror story! I didn't see that video (and thank God for that) but I can feel the pain through your hub. I pity that woman and everybody else who underwent the same treatment as hers. I hope everything will change for the better. Great hub myownworld. Hope you continue to grace us with your wonderful writing.
Great incite into the vicious activities of religious zealots.
yes, ralwus, 'horror' is the word. Just imagine the victim's thoughts: i don't blame them for questioning universal mercy then...in their place, I guess anyone would. anyway, cheers my friend for reading...x
thank you emievil for the lovely comment..! smiling your way...
I agree Filipino.. all religious fervor taken to an extreme can be destructive. thanks fot stopping by!
The sheer power of your words is amazing. Reading your words made me feel as though I was a powerless bystander to that horrific act. Unsettling to say the least. Yet there is hope with writers like you spreading the word and educating those that are not as close to the subject under discussion. May peace eventually prevail!
loved your wonderful comment Peggy! yes, one feels so powerless against all the cruelly in this world, esp. human suffering caused by it...but I believe there is much 'good' in people too...and as long as there's someone making a difference, hope lives on..! thank you once again...
I have nothing to say. I want you to know I read this, is all. It's brutality and your expression of it speaks all that is necessary. Thank you.
storytellers...I know...this is beyond words actually and perhaps, silence is the most befitting response to it. thank you for feeling with me....
This is powerful writing which tugs at the heart and leaves an indelible imprint on the soul. It is hard to accept that one human being is capable of inflicting this level of cruelty upon another, and all in God's name.
You succeed in demolishing the protective shell of our indifference. Thank you.
sanny, coming from a writer I so admire, your words mean a lot to me! thank you for reading and appreciating! hope lives on through these words..
Gosh! I am not so much shocked as overwhelmed... you just have a way to guide us into places we've chosen to ignore before coming across your hubs... so well done! I would like to say one thing though... it is often easy to place blame or responsibility onto others & God is one of those others... I don't think God wants to mess about with free will. We have been given the beauty of life & love and evil exist because without, we would not know that there is any beauty yet therefore possibly take it for granted. It is for each human to choose from free will what his/her life adheres!
Thanks for opening wide our lazy eyes!!! Care, TG
Terence...ah always the most insightful comments! I know...and i so agree with what you're saying...and personally, in my life, that is exactly my view of god and his workings. but I wrote this hub from the eyes of the victims...and having talked to some of them in real life, this is just how they think...so have only given voice to their true feelings. anyway, you're a writer's dream reader! thanks x
Myownworld, I can sense the tears as you write. You have painted another 'still life' masterpiece. The innocent and the guilty return to God, and we all know which are to be rewarded, and which are not. You bring the harshness of human existence kicking and screaming into public view, and good for you. I like your writing, and I like you.
yes English, I think the image of this woman haunted me for days and I could not rest till I'd at least given voice to the suffering she must have endured! thank you for your wonderful comment....you always make my day! all my love...and much hope..
Once again, you amaze me. I'm speechless
ah duchess...there is nothing left to say after reading about this horrific deed, so am just sending you my love. thank you for reading. x
Your hub made me realise, even more so, why my son risks his life fighting the Taliban. Thankyou for your words.
Nigel...do you have a son in the army? oh...then you must know all about the horrors and suffering Taaliban and wars wreck in the lives of ordinary people! all my wishes and love for you and your family! thank you for reading.
You have a rare gift for opening the eyes and hearts of others. I'm so thankful for living in the US!
thank you Habee for the lovely comment. yes, i know...it's amazing how much freedom women living in the west have and I myself value every minute of it! cheers friend for reading! x
They call this a "Honour Killing." I see no honor in the brutal killing of an innocent.
I agree TnFlash. thanks for reading and commenting!
Your words give the young girl in the video [and many more] a voice she so deserves. Too many have been touched by the viciousness, brutality and cruelty of the Taliban. To call these 'creatures' men is to compliment them, not even a dog will attack unless provoked or mistreated. How have these attackers been provoked by 17 year old girls or any other woman? I'm sure they were not mistreated by the woman who gave them life, who nourished them at her breast... for what? No mother could be proud of a son that is so disrespectful and sadistic.
I say again, you are an incredibly, talented writer. With true affection, Carmen
Carmen, I couldn't agree more with you. My heart is just with the ordinary women and children suffering at the hands of taliban and these wars perpetuated on both sides. Makes you wonder at the cruelty human beings are capable of....and if only one could do something to stop it! Such a feeling of helplessness I get. Anyway, thank you so much for your wonderful words....coming from a writer as talented as you, I'm truly humbled by them.
We have a new hubber, I thought you would be interested in her hub on women and violence. I have sent her a link to your hub, here's the link to marieryan's.
http://hubpages.com/hub/International-day-for-the-
Your hubpage friend, Carmen
Hello myownworld. I have just found you through Carmen (comment above) ...Although MY words cannot express the disgust I feel about the inhumane behaviour of those animals seen in the first video, YOUR words certainly can. Like the Human Rights activist, it makes me nauseous to think that this is happening right now! Your writing is so descriptive I think we can all feel the pain but also the frustration for not being able to stop them now!
Marie
Thank you Carmen. I found a treasure of great hubs!
Marieryan, it's a pleasure to be read by you. I think we both feel strongly about certain issues, so am looking forward to reading your hubs! thank you for your kind words and for becoming a fan!
Wow, this is certainly story from the hell. Horrible price for the war in Afghanistan Pakistan has to pay. Thank you very much for sharing this.
exactly Tatjana! Pakistan was a moderate country till the war in afghanistan happened.. and the worst part is, that these so called taliban were trained by American CIA to fight russians in afghanistan!! But now the 'monster' they've created has just grown too big for them to fight, and innocent lives are paying the price for it! thanks for reading and seeing....
Again..! Let us not be critical to any one and with unbiased judgement... rethink... here are the points..
Not very lately,but a month ago a lady tourist guide,not Indian was raped by some influential man... the trial is on and we all know wat the judgment will be( if it ever happens).. Tiger of the woods is out in the press for not Golfing,but for playing with the 'stick'. A girl was brutally raped in front of her family members and then the house and rest of the family members were burnt, in front of the same girl,during the riots. Again few days ago the TOI read an article of a 60yr old man held for sexually abusing a 4yr old little soul.
Let us all think .. what is cruel? The talibans or these men who are involved in such heinous crimes. Let us not exaggerate and blow the issue out of propotion here.I am no where trying to defend the talibans. Where did these guys come from? who are they? what are the rulings that these guys,follow? why Islam is made a scape goat? does any one have any answer to this? Let us ask teh west, the media, the rulers of the world, the police of the world???? what were they doing in Afghanistan when the USSR had moved in there? Where are the weapons coming to them from?
In the name of Islam, the media in exploiting the situation in Afghanistan and many parts of the world and defaming the religion. Yes, the religion does condemn terrorism as much as it does Drug abuse! why are the drug lords of Afghanistan called Jihadis then? they do nto fit the bill!!! do they?
There isnt lot of research required for the simple facts! i AM SURE back home, in UP and Bihar there are more n major atrocities on women to which we all turn a blond eye! right?
Sohail
Thanks for sharing your powerful words here on this most horrible oppression. Violence against women seems often to be "justified" with some sort of "theology" - a "theology" which really talks little about God but much about the fears and insecurities of men.
I just can't imagine what it must be like to live in such a fear-ridden society - much worse than what we went through in the apartheid years in South Africa.
Love and peace
Tony
thank you tony for your insightful comment. I agree, it's unbelievable how behind almost any cruel act, there is someone justifying it! Sending much love and wishes your way...
myownworld you write with power and conviction. The desecration of mankind that defines the Taliban horrifies, yet the Taliban is still free to wreak its harsh, merciless cruelty. The shame of all mankind is that the Taliban are not the only slithering perveyors of evil. Your question "how could these men stand and watch the death of an innocent soul, only to go back to their lives without the guilt of blood on their hands?" is asked by a heart and soul that knows compassion and knows that mankind has a higher calling than the Taliban torture and intimidation philosophies. I've come to learn in my lifetime that shame is something these people do not feel. They own nothing but heartless anger and brutality. Your words always move me. You stand up a make your voice heard. Hard as it is to read sometimes, please keep your voice strong. We all need to stand against these abominations. Great hub as always.
Are you indian?
Michael, I was away traveling South Asia to collect more material for my blogs and just read your wonderful comment! Yes I agree with you...my heart is just so saddened by this brutality that writing this blog, my tears wouldn't stop flowing. thank you for understanding..
Yeah thats horrific, yet again, powerful men using religion as an excuse to keep women oppressed, God wouldn't approve of what they did, whether it was Jesus,Allah or Mohammed!
I know Richieb....such cruelty in the name of religion! That's why I'm so against organized religion in any form - or rather how people misuse it! Thanks for stopping by... it always makes me smile...:)
Power seems to always be corrupt. It didn't say if the man got his lashes. The Taliban hasn't cared for the teachings of Jesus or of a benevolent God.
Micky, unfortunately, no one knows what happened to the man; the one good thing that came out of this whole tragedy though was that the footage was circulated on you tube, and taliban became immensely unpopular in pakistan, where the people have literally resisted and pushed their control over them. Yes, god could never see what they do as right....
thank you Micky for reading and commenting! always x
I had read this hub a few days ago and was speaking to someone yesterday at work about what I saw here....tremendously powerful hub-so horrific to see this-really bothered me a lot. Came back to leave a comment-I think you already know what it is. :*(
yes, GW, I wrote this with tears streaming down my face...I think I've rarely felt as helpless in my life....just one of those things... god knows what's happened to that girl. The thought still haunts me....
anyway, thank you for having the strength to understand and not turn your eyes away....
This world is full of so many injustices-too many to count-In the end-justice will prevail-that I am assured of.
I would never-never look away.....
I know......sending a warm smile and hug your way.....x
this story make me feel so sick.those poor women.that poor brother,how awful.God will bring those men to justice,they may escape for a time but they will stand before God and account for their crimes.
I know Christine....I couldn't stop crying even when I was making this hub. This story haunted me for days...! Thank you for reading my friend! x
Jihad means STRUGGLE but the wrong interpretation was what actually led to Umar Farouk's 2009 xmas plot,he is a guy with sound up bringing but his father's wealth was to him a taboo and that's just what the TALIBAN belief stands for.Wrong interpretation of Islam which is a peaceful religion.
You have got a good hub here.
Cheers.
Yes, Rossimobis... 'wrong interpretation of Islam which is a peaceful religion...' you've summed it up perfectly! I agree completely. Was myself born to a muslim background, and I only knew moderates around me, but whatever happened to them? Thank you so much for your input and for reading!
Once again myownworld takes us to another world .. . you have that natural talent to tell a story and I am so glad that you use that talent to speak for those who can not tell of these horrors. I am sure as you write this it stays with you. . .as it will with me. I pray for these women. And I thank you for sharing. . .
Shari
Wavegirl, I love getting your comments...you come across as such a warm and sensitive person. This is one of my difficult to relate to hubs and I'm always grateful to people who take the time to read it. Thank you. Much appreciated! :)
I do not in anyway advocate or support adultery but folks like Chaand deserves no brutality bcos life suppose to be a matter of choice.It is not just about the Talibam but about a part of Islam which i solely belive need to be redressed because it is happening in some parts of my own country and so may other places in the world.All these are to me misinterpretation of Islam and the Taliban is like a dangerous sword made of blood.I have always condemned them but they were since left to operate in Afghan,if not for the issue of 9/11,i guess that they will still be seated as a government of it's own for the people.
"Great hub as usual."
Rossimobis, you voice my sentiments exactly! Loved your comment, so thank you for it! take care...:)
Terrible. Just terrible. My heart bleeds......I am so glad that you are bringing awareness to this. Great Hub! Good job! When someone learns from you, you become a master. Namaste.
It's a difficult read Hokey, but thank you for appreciating. A very warm smile for you...:)
Once again myownworld, you write so well on a subject near to me. I have written several novels, one of which touches on this subject and you may be interested in reading. I am currently offering it free for Hubbers http://hubpages.com/hub/Terrors-Child-part-1
That's a moving story, very well written.
Thank you parrster for reading, and will definitely check out your work soon. Can't wait to, in fact...! :)
Ralph, thank you for dropping by and the appreciation....means a lot coming from a prolific writer like you...!
I'm very impressed that you're writing about the Taliban and their flogging of that poor woman. Islamic punishment and justice - if you can call it that - is severe indeed. Unfortunately, I don't think the forces of the West, NATO, et al. have what it takes to beat them. The Taliban, and mujahideen as well, are simply too ruthless, tenacious and fanatical. Their cause celeb is to fight the Americans until every last Taliban fighter is dead, if necessary - and then more of them will suddenly pour from the surrounding mountains. Later!
Unfortunately Kosmo, Taliban are not just anti west, but even kill moderate muslims too....(I saw with my own eyes how they're bombing average people in pakistan and afghanistan); I don't know if this war is keeping them in control though; it's certainly fanning their passion and spilling it over in newer, different countries for sure. But I know what you mean. Thank you for the insightful comment..take care.. :)
Extremely frightening to know how some people can be so barbaric in the name of religion. What went wrong?
Exactly the question I ask myself every time I see cruelty in the name of religion.... thank you for understanding stormhunter... :)
This is one of the major reasons I don't participate in organized religion. It's divisive and alot of the time even more deadly than an assasin. The Creator's purpose is for ALL of us as his children to live and enjoy this wonderful earth he created for us. Unfortunately that is not what is happening. Greed, lack of empathy, corruption, etc Ppl turning to dark instead of the light because it looks more profitable in this life. Most people don't think about their after-life because we are conditioned to believe that when you die in this paradigm; it's over. Not even taking the time to realize that the after-life is still a life just not as we are programmed to percieve it. Another great hub ~hugs~ keep em coming
Thank you blackreign for your insightful comment.... you come across as such an amazing person really...! yes, people turning to 'dark rather than light' is what's causing so much misery in the world today. Do take care friend.. :)
Living as long as I have; not saying I am old lol You see, experience, and learn alot. ty for inspiring words. May The Creator keep you safe ~hugs~ stay in touch as will I.
Sending lots of love and prayers your way blackreign.... :)
Why?
Why does this happen?
Why is it allowed to happen?
I just do not understand.
It's desperately sad.
I know Trish...I know.. I ask those questions countless times too...and each time am left with silent helplessness...*sigh...
I am not that Woman by Kishwar Naheed
I am not that woman
Selling you socks and shoes!
Remember me, I am the one you hid
In your walls of stone, while you roamed
Free as the breeze, not knowing
That my voice cannot be smothered by stones,
I am the one you crushed
With the weight of custom and tradition
Not knowing
That light cannot be hidden in darkness.
Remember me,
I am the one in whose lap
You picked flowers
And planted thorns and embers
Not knowing
That chains cannot smother my fragrance
I am the woman
Whom you bought and sold
In the name of my own chastity
Not knowing
That I can walk on water
When I am drowning.
I am the one you married off
To get rid of a burden
Not knowing
That a nation of captive minds
Cannot be free.
I am the commodity you traded in,
My chastity, my motherhood, my loyalty.
Now it is time for me to flower free.
The woman on that poster, half-naked, selling socks and shoes-
No, no, I am not that woman!
By a Famous poetess Kishwer Naheed
Again you have bought forward such a heart tearing story about the catastrophic human nature…there are many presumptions and views about what’s happening in Afghanistan and also parts of Pakistan…but I strongly feel it’s only a way of God of showing what War has done to such a breathtakingly beautiful country…the same can be seen in Iraq now…
The saddest part is to know that the governments of the effected nations are not able take constructive steps to curtail terrorism…having my roots from the Baluch province, my heart just cries out to the people who have to face such brutality day in and day out…it’s a petty that even Pakistan and India have also been effected by Taliban…
A very well written article and all applauds to you for bringing such stories to the worlds for awareness and for self realization…God bless humanity…
@ sukena: Thank you for that lovely poem and the link.
@ jamsheed... I think you and I have a very similar attitude towards this whole situation: politics aside, what breaks my heart is watching a beautiful country being destroyed and ordinary people suffering at the hands of war! I feel for your people in Baluchistan too...sigh.... why does man inflict pain on others? Surely, he wasn't born to.... watching children.... their innocence, I ask myself this a million times! Where does it all go wrong? Why do hearts harden enough to kill and draw blood?
wow.. I am speechless. That's gotta be rought to have to endure and deal with. The Creator sees but cannot interceed. HE has the power but he created us with intelligence and know how and must of all the power of choice to navigate through this life. Some ppl let evil use them which explains the behavior of these "men"( I use that term loosely) in your hub Once again you have opened my eyes to a whole other perpective of the world and I thank you for that :) ~hugs~
@ BR: this was a very difficult hub to write...(I remember I couldn't stop crying)... just one of those really painful moments where you're filled with extreme helplessness. The worst part is, no one knows where this girl is now, and the thought fills me with such dread for I can only imagine what her fate must have been. Don't you wish we could have a magic wand and put an end to all the hatred and suffering in this world? We have these words though... and ourselves to give... but it seems it's an endless ocean before us, and we're like tiny dots on the shore...
take care, my dear friend... pleasure always to see you x
I just repeat- you are an amazing writer! Putting into words feelings and images. You are very talented.
Thank you TD for all your kind words... as a writer, I cannot tell you how much I appreciate them. :)
Thank you MOW for this hub. Not many writers would choose a subject such as this, but I am glad you did! It troubles me to see the Taliban exercise such control over Pakistan.
From what I've read, it seems to me that the Pakistani authorities aren't 100% committed to challenging the Taliban and getting rid of its influence inside Pakistan itself.
Seems to me the Taliban is eating away at the fabric of Pakistani society, much as a termite would eat away wood. I am not sure what they hope to gain by soft-pedaling on the Taliban.
The recent leaked war logs point out to the complicity of Pakistani intelligence in supporting the Taliban inside Afghanistan. All of this is a matter of concern.
I am not sure women or women's rights matter in all of this 'geopolitiking.' In one of your comments, you mentioned about Pakistan never being a 'typical muslim country.'
Well, I agree with that assessment. Perhaps, a shift to radical Islam, as the one espoused by the Taliban, is due to wanting a distinct sense of identity. I read a book a while back about the 'newer converts to Islam' wanting to act "more muslim" than the original muslims.
The 'newer converts' of course refer to countries where Islam is not that old, countries where local culture and other religions were much different than Islam itself.
I do believe the war in Afghanistan is essential in this context. I am not sure whether the world should walk away from Afghanistan like it did in the late 80s.
Walking away then resulted in the Taliban coming to power and the Al-Qaeda getting a base to plan and plot. Do we really want all of that to come into being once again? Not too sure, anyone wants that!!
Here is a prayer that the same events don't repeat itself, that history doesn't repeat itself. That, the Taliban are somehow incapacitated and its influence severely curtailed, both in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Thanks again MOW for this thoughtful hub, well done!!
Shil, It's a pleasure to see you here and read your insightful comment. Very valid points all of them. Actually, I've spent a considerable amount of time living in pakistan, and closely studying and attempting to understand the politics of that region - and you'll be surprised to know how much of its history has been affected by the war in afghanistan.
Taliban were originally called "mujahideen" and were trained by pakistani ISI (intelligence) working for American CIA to fight the russians invading Afghanistan. They served a purpose that everyone felt was 'justified' and hence they went on unchecked for years. Now the very monsters they've created have turned against the americans, and are being funded by external agencies to form an international network of terrorists. ISI itself has become an independent (not to mention corrupt) agency that now follows its own agenda of power in that region by working with these Taliban. The Pakistani govt. meanwhile is secretly collaborating with them on the side to gain more funding for this so called war on terror. And all along, the average man on the street is suffering - pakistani/afghan both.
And that is still half of the story: the MASSIVE spill of refugees from Afghanistan into Pakistani border over the years has destabilized this region too and given a stronghold to the afghani-taliban in waziristan. And the longer the war goes on, the worse the problem gets! And yet, I don't know if a withdrawal at this point will help either... so god knows, what the solution is!
whew! sorry, for going on thus, but I could write pages on this problem! Its too complicated and too grave to be solved easily. But one thing is for sure, this war is not helping at all! Anyway, thank you for taking the time to read all this... and seeing it from a different angle. Take care :)
^^ Exactly.....
taliban is fully supported by pakistan ISI & army..if they stop it then these uneducated poor talibanese is finish..they are just small small puppets the main head sitting within pakistan...now thats everyone knows...the latest wikileaks to proven that,,,how the USA funding money to pakistan is used to breed taliban and other terrorist orgnaization to spread terror all around the world...
btw nice blog/hubpage pretty lady
@ Hi: Thank you for reading and commenting. Nice meeting you :)
@ Morson: Thank you for the suggestion. I just might do..! Take care :)
myownworld,
I don't know why these groups of fanatics like, Al qaeda, Taliban, Khalistan are abolishing humanity. These 'Talibanis' are heartless and fighting in the name of God, yet they haven’t seen/met the God. Perhaps, they are forgetting that, when a human being takes birth on earth, he/she comes without any religion.
We should not forget that we are humans first, then religious followers. I saw many times in newspapers and in news, the brutal treatment done by Talibanis with people, especially with women. They beat them brutally on the road, throw rocks at them and even force them to boycott school.
Their mistreatment is hard to explain in words. Taliban have put so many restrictions on women, like they should wear long burqa which covers them from head to toe, they shouldn’t go out with any male, they shouldn’t laugh out loud in a public area, they shouldn’t wear jewellery… etc, etc. I wish someday we all live with one religion; humanity. It was quite informative reading this.
@ Surabhi: I completely agree with you. Yet, I also know that the war against Taliban is making them stronger and more spread out than before... its almost like they are thrown out of one country, only to regroup (more determined than before) in the ones across the border. And more and more people keep suffering at their hands. Yes, we must not forget our humanity before a religious belief and that is exactly what Taliban have done. And the worst part is, this is not even Islam... it's their own sick and morbid interpretation of it...and that makes them a threat to muslims and no muslims alike. Anyway, thank you for reading and for your great comment. :)
Wow. I am thankful to be an American. Another great story.
Thank you gr82bme for reading and commenting. Much appreciated.
I think this is one side of the story. The video you showed here is proved to be a false one and already mentioned in many TV channels of Pakistan. Yes flogging on women is one of the evil act which is very common in Indian and Pakistani villages. You can hear every day such type of news by local TV channels.
Talibans in Pakistan are proved be a different one than in Afghanistan and it's also proved that these are funded by "external" forces. It's now a very common belief in Pakistan. You can even find various comments in facebook either.
My sister, not only Pakistan, but Islam is itself a peaceful religion. Islam is not only a religion but is way of life. In Islam, it's mentioned that “He will not enter Paradise whose neighbour is not secure from his wrongful conduct." What happened in Swat and FATA area in Pakistan is a planning to destabilize Pakistan. One recent example is the killing of Khalid Khawaja and Col Imam who considered being mentors of Afghan Talibans by Pakistani TTPs.
No one should be afraid of Taliban's influence in Pakistan. There is no such influence. Not only Pakistan but Islam is also a moderate religion.
Naumaan! your view on the topic is truly representing the real face of Islam. As far as the TTP is concerned, there is no doubt that Islam is very badly defamed by their activities. As a Muslim we believe every Muslim should should convey the message of Islam in a peaceful way as Islam itself stands for peace.
Your writing is so important, and very courageous. The comments that come via your hubs are an interesting mix, reminding me of the blindness spoken of in Proverbs 4.
Even though the first reaction to truth is often hatred, I pray for the people caught in the grip of the regime you write of to be able to hear and know the truth of the love and mercy of God to all who will come to Him according to His Word through His Son, the Lord Jesus.
Richimag 2 years ago
Is a daily reality and people try not to see.
unfortunately it is a good hub.
I am waiting for a better world.