Episode 4: The Captors

 

Some things I learned about the Taliban in this episode:

 

  • The Taliban is highly organized militant group. They have established public works systems such as; roads and basic healthcare.
  • This group also has a network called Haqqani, which is based in Pakistan and they work closely with the Pakistani army and maintain order within the society.
  • Local families  help to assist the Taliban with harboring captives in their homes for a time being.
  • The Taliban views ANYONE who does not follow their strict interpretation of Islam as bad.

What is the Taliban ? Its Goals?

The Taliban is a group of organized crime that is comprised of a strong central command force and other networks. The Taliban works to expand its military and influence over ranges of territory. Hence, it’s connections with the Haqqanis in Pakistan. It also works to gain recognition and a reputation for its heinous crimes against humanity.

Cultural Perspective

In this episode, some members of the Taliban deemed the  journalist as impure and unclean because he was an American. They couldn’t stand to be around him at some point and attributed is sickness to his dissimilarity of their beliefs. However, there was one older man who encouraged the younger commanders to treat the journalist with  respect because it was the way of the Prophet Muhammad. Immediately, the thought that the possibility of humanity within the Taliban came to mind.(lol)

My understanding of the War on Terror

In school, I was always taught that the instability and hostility in the Middle East was due to religious differences…which is partially true. However, the west has imposed its influence on societies throughout the Middle East for years through “globalization” .Towards the end of the episode, Bowe describes one commander’s remarks and treatment of him to be contributed to the resentment he had for America…and what America had done to Afghanistan. Terrorist actions cannot be justified but perhaps understood.

 

 

 

 

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