Terrorism: The Taliban

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Terrorism is the threat or use of violence against a population or group of people to spread fear for the purpose of a political motive or agenda. The Taliban is possibly one of the most renowned terrorist groups in Afghanistan, and despite the containment methods used against them, they continue to grow and prevail in rural southern areas of Afghanistan and parts of Kabul. The Taliban is unique because they not only adhere by means of strict Islamic fundamentalism, but Pashtun laws and culture. The Taliban’s ability to rally the Afghan population, their radical ideologies, and aggressive tactics continue to make them a terrorist threat to the western world today. The Taliban took over in 1996 and is currently waging war in Afghanistan. …show more content…
They adhere to strict interpretation of the Quran and the Islamic faith. One example is through their use and implementation of Sharia law in Afghanistan. These Islamic laws have resulted in human rights abuses by implementing brutal punishments for violating Allah’s boundaries. The punishments include death by stoning for sins like adultery or sexual intercourse before marriage. Most Muslims who want to lead a life based on Allah’s guidance, comply with Sharia, however, Sharia means ‘way’ , not law. The central beliefs of Sharia are the aims of preserving life, property, intellect and religion. The Taliban incorporates extreme elements and concepts of Sharia law by claiming that this this the law and must be obeyed as such . One of the most notorious forms that Sharia law was implemented was through their radical treatment and oppression of women. Under the Taliban’s regime, women were forced to wear a burqa at all times in public, because a woman’s face is a source of corruption for men not related to them. Women were not permitted to work or obtain an education after the age of eight years old. They were only permitted to study the Quran. Women could not see male doctors, unless accompanied by a male chaperone, which led to illnesses remaining untreated. They faced flogging and execution for violation of these laws. In addition to the oppressive treatment of women, men were not permitted to shave their beard. They are required to wear Islamic clothes and a cap. Men who violated these laws would be subjected to public beatings or having their head shaved in public. Kite flying, a widely celebrated traditional activity in Afghanistan, was banned. Listening to music, watching television, celebrating the new year, and the internet were banned and outlawed from Afghan life because they were deemed “un-Islamic”. Many people were forced to change their names to Islamic names, and were required by

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