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unhappycamper

(60,364 posts)
Fri Jun 6, 2014, 07:39 AM Jun 2014

Taliban change tack on many fronts

http://atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/SOU-02-050614.html



Taliban change tack on many fronts
By Tafhim Kiani
Jun 5, '14

Outside Afghanistan, most publicity for the Taliban comes from their campaign of terror within the war-torn country. To casual observers it may appear as if the sole aim of seemingly mindless destruction is to expel foreign troops. While the Taliban do have that aim - and have to date refused to have any official negotiations until it has been achieved - their objective is to bring about an Islamic government in Afghanistan. [1] The Taliban have increasingly tried to portray themselves as legitimate stakeholders in Afghan affairs by putting a shadow government in place and dispensing justice in the areas they control.

The Taliban are estimated to have a total of 60,000-70,000 active members, of which only a small portion are mobilized for fighting. Many act as informants and providers of food, supplies and accommodation for those who carry arms. As early as 2003, the Taliban started to fortify its structure through the appointment of its own provincial governors. [2]

Over the past 10 years, many Taliban leaders have been captured or killed, but the group's organizational bodies are able to quickly replace them with senior figures whose experience dates back to the rise of the Taliban in the early 1990s. Younger and less experienced figures also have been able to quickly rise up the chain of command by proving themselves on the battlefield.

Challenges of command and control

The Taliban have a sophisticated network of command and control which includes the Quetta Shura, also known as the Rahbari Shura and the Supreme council, four regional (military) shuras, 10 committees, local commands and village cells. While that structure has been demonstrably effective and adaptable, it can also at times be confusing and chaotic. This can be attributed to a number of factors. Firstly, high-ranking Taliban officials have very different opinions. This can lead to conflicting messages, but at the same time can also be seen as a strength, as the diversity accommodates and attracts a larger group of potential sympathizers.
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