Talibanisation

THEME EFFECTS OF TALIBANISATION ON Tribal areas (fata) of pakistan Tribal areas of Pakistan have always enjoyed a unique status of being semi autonomous territories. Though defiance of writ of the government has been the rule of the land, the inhabitant tribes have lived in overall peace and harmony with the rest of the country since independence. However, the ramifications of Afghan Jihad caused a transformation from tribalism to“Talibanization” which manifested itself in the events of post 9/11. Under the obtaining environment, there is a dire need to study the genesis of “Taliban” phenomenon, vested interests of our neighbors to nurture dissident elements thus posing threat to the security and sovereignty of Pakistan. Foregoing in view, carryout an in-depth study of the background of “Talibanization” with a view to recommending measures for eliminating the negative fallout on the tribal society and diverting the potential of its youth towards the developmental tasks. Effects of talibanisation in fata Introduction 1. The period of the Taliban rule in Afghanistan has been a topic of heated dispute and controversy both inside and out of the Islamic religion. Although most of the western world condemned the Taliban’s political agenda and military performance and although many Muslims perceived their policies as anti – Islamic, there were many Muslims who considered The Taliban’s administration as an embodiment of Islamic law and politics. There is of course deep irony in the fact that the Taliban fought an Islamic government founded by The Mujahideen, known world – wide for their Islamic campaign (Jihad) against the so – called Soviet Infidels. Indeed the Mujahideen had been praised and supported by a wide variety of sources ranging from the US to Shi’ite Iran and they were seen by many Muslims as representing the purest form of Islam – pursuers of Jihad and true defenders of the faith. This view was not shared by The Taliban who using the intra – Mujahideen conflict for a reason for their war called their campaign against them a jihad. 2. However to many it became obvious that there was more behind the Taliban than religious incentives. It was claimed that the appearance of The Taliban and their rise to power had much to do with, as too often in Afghanistan, the involvement of foreign interests. Aim 3. To carryout an in-depth study of the genesis of “Talibanization” with a view to recommend measures for eliminating the negative fallout on the tribal society and diverting the potential of its youth towards the developmental tasks. Scope Part I- Background 2 FATA 3 Taliban Movement Part II- Causes of Talibanisation 5 General 6 Afghan War 7 Madrassa Culture 8 Spill over into Pakistan 9 Socio – Economic and Political reasons Part III- Effects of Talibanisation 4. Part IV – Foreign Involvements and Interests Recommendations Conclusion Part I FATA 5. FATA is a narrow belt along Pak-Afghan border spanning an area of 27,220 sq km, which is 3% of the territory of Pakistan. FATA shares 600 km of border with Afghanistan alone. As per the 1998 Census, the total population of the area is close to 3.138 million, which is 2.4% of total population of Pakistan. Over 60 main tribes inhabit FATA, with each having various sub tribes. Collectively, people exhibit conservative Islamic orientation and deeply resent the presence of foreigners. 6. Agencies of FATA. FATA comprises of the following agencies: a. South Waziristan Agency. b. North Waziristan Agency. c. Kurram Agency. d. Orakzai Agency. e. Khyber Agency. f. Mohmand Agency . g. Bajaur Agency. Taliban Movement 7. Historical Perspective. Talib is an Arabic word, which literally means "one who is seeking," but generally Talib refers to "someone who is seeking religious knowledge." Taliban are students of "deeni madrassas" or religious seminaries, which have existed in Afghanistan, the Indian-Subcontinent, and the Central Asia since the arrival of Islam in these areas. Both religious schools and Taliban existed long before the modern system of schools. Many Taliban also used to go to different religious scholars or local mullahs to acquire religious knowledge. 8. The Resurgence of the Taliban. During the national struggle against the Soviet invaders, Taliban fought alongside the Mujahideen. They are the followers of the "Deobandi" school of thought, preached by clerics in Pakistani madrassas. The Pakistani version of the Deobandi schools in Afghan refugee camps were, however, often run by in-experienced and semi-literate clerics. As a military and political force, the Taliban surfaced in Qandahar in 1994 when Afghanistan was plagued by a vicious civil war. The cycle of violence, destruction, and chaos of the Mujahideen era created the condition for the rise of the puritanical Taliban. Of many stories on rise of Taliban (US and Islamic), most widely known is when two young girls were kidnapped by a warlord and raped in a military camp. Mullah Umar gathered some students, attacked the camp and freed the girls. Mullah Umar never asked for any reward rather asked others to help him against these brutalities in the name of God. 9. Taliban took up arms to eliminate bandits and bring peace to the country under Islamic law. The response of Afghan people, deprived of peace, normalcy and personal security for over two decades, was quite naturally enthusiastic. Taliban rapidly gained control over southern provinces and kept expanding even capturing Kabul in 1996. Immediately after gaining control, Taliban implemented strict Islamic laws and enforced them with vigour and force. Initially they were perceived by the common people as saviours; for their Jihad against the corrupt Mujahideen leaders. Their rise is explained by their ability to assert authority and their ethnic Pukhtun roots with hands on experience in Jihad and access to weapons and their acceptance due their religiosity. Taliban Movement has been a purposeful employer to the scores of youth and ex-Mujahideen. Madrassahs, the reservoirs of the Taliban recruitment, provided the much needed education, and free room and board to the Afghan and Pakistani youth. 10. There are two significant aspects of the Movement. First, the rank and file are not subscribing to an equal degree of religious militancy with a hard-core upper cadre directing a vast majority of moderately aligned Talibs who are basically job seekers and mostly less/ill educated and indoctrinated. Second, historically, movements based on religious fervour are moderated by factors outside their control. part ii - causes of talibanisation in Pakistan 11. Gen. Alliance through the seminaries and familiar Jihadi credentials provided the foreign cadre of militants with a cohort of ready local supporters. These local Taliban were either veterans of the Afghan conflict or fresh sympathisers who were motivated by bombing of Afghanistan by the US forces and wanted to play their role in avenging the Muslim/Afghan honour. They comprised the students of seminaries from all over the country with the bulk comprising the jobless tribal youth. Attracted by a purpose, cash, the sense of being empowered by a Kalashnikov and enhanced social esteem and with a strong sense of Pukhtunwali to defend the FATA’s status as free areas, they opposed the entry of Pakistan Army once it was perceived operating in league with the US Forces. 12. Afghan War. The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 sent shock waves throughout the world. It changed the power equation in the region. Washington registered a major shakeup in area vital to their interest. China perceived the invasion as another step towards its encirclement by the Soviet Union. The Saudis were equally alarmed; scared because of the Soviet threat to their oil supplies. Pakistan faced a highly dangerous situation, sandwiched between two enemies – India on the east and the Soviet troops knocking on the Western border. Expansion of Soviets towards this region was viewed with great concern. The American strategists then masterminded enticing Pakistan to help them by Jihad along with the Afghan military groups. Geo-strategic compulsions and economic interests brought Pakistan, US, Saudi Arabia, and China on a common platform to support the Afghan Mujahideen. It was US in particular that extended political, economic, and military assistance to Pakistan during this entire war. 13. Madrassa Culture a. The major reasons for the popularity of the Madrassas in FATA include the fact that the school system is in shambles, and many families cannot afford to send their children to schools. Moreover the tribal culture also resists sending children to schools and madrassa are preferred. Madrassas offer an attractive alternative: free education, free meals, free schoolbooks and even in some cases a stipend. Though some middle class and rich families also send their children to Madrassas for Quranic lessons and memorization, they are usually day students. Finally, many madrassas attracted foreign students. b. From a very modest number, madrassas started mushrooming in 1980s in Pakistan, most notably in Afghan refugee camps in NWFP and Balochistan where future Taliban leaders were trained. In the last 20 years, Pakistan has witnessed an amazing increase in number of these madrassas. c. Madrassa Reforms. On June 19, 2002 the federal cabinet approved the Madrassa Registration Ordinance 2002 to regulate religious schools by bringing them under the formal educational system of the country. Following are the salients of the Ordinance: 1) Madrassas must register with the Pakistan Madrassa Education Board and respective Provincial Madrassa Education Boards. 2) Unregistered Madrassas will be prohibited from receiving Zakat funds, financial assistance, grants, donations or other benefits from federal or provincial governments. 3) Madrassas violating the Ordinance risk closure or a fine or both. 4) Madrassas would include science, mathematics, English and Urdu in their curriculum. This would provide students with the option of eventually enrolling in professional schools. 5) Madrassas would receive government aid if they begin providing modern education. 6) Every registered Madrassa is to maintain accounts and submit an annual report to their provincial education board. 7) A registered Madrassa must not receive any grant, donation, or aid from any foreign sources, or allow admission to foreign students or appointment of teachers without a NOC from the Interior Ministry. d. Madrassa Reforms Project 1) The government has recently (June 2003) shifted its, approach more towards one of cooperation. Specifically it has opted to provide incentives to persuade the religious lobby into adopting a standard approach towards their education. 2) The government's plan is an effort to bridge the existing gulf between the mainstream formal education system and the traditional Madrassas through forming an integrated system of national education by modernizing the Madrassa curriculum. 3) To implement this plan the federal government signed (June 19, 2003) a MOU with the four provinces, FATA, FANA and AK to reform 8,000 Madrassas during the next five years. 4) Under the new arrangements, a Madrassas Reforms Project has been launched and an amount of Rs 225 million has been allocated in the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) 2002-03 for this purpose. 5) The goal is also to educate 1.5 million students, both male and female, in a manner that will enable them to continue their studies in colleges and universities education. 6) This is to be accomplished through the introduction of formal subjects (which have otherwise been considered as non-religious subjects) such as English, Mathematics, Pakistan Studies, Social Studies and General Science at the primary and secondary levels. 7) At the intermediate level, English, Economics, Pakistan Studies, and Computer Science will also be taught. 8) The government has also planned to fund the salaries of the teachers to be appointed to teach non-religious subjects. 9) The cost of textbooks, stationary items, sports facilities and utility charges and one-time grant for the library and furniture facilities is also covered under the scheme. 14. Spill over of Taliban into Pakistan. When the Taliban and their Al-Qaeda affiliates ran from Afghanistan in the post 9/11 bombings in 2001, the situation in Pakistan in general and the FATA in particular compounded. Their estimated strength during the peak times (March 2003 to September 2004) was estimated to between 800-1000. Some characteristics of these Talibans are as follows: a. Categories 1) Arab Group. This was further divided into two types. One belonged to the veteran Mujahideen who had fought the Soviet forces and were now living peacefully into the FATA villages. They were not politically very active and considered Pakistan their last refuge and were not in favour of confronting the Pakistan Army. The second category included the young and freshly arrived rank and file. Most of this Group has either left the area or are lying low as they had also established marital ties with locals. 2) Central Asian Group. These were the group and were the fresh inductees into their Jihad. They mostly belonged to Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Chechnya and some Chinese Muslims. This group was militarily more formidable, physically very fit, and lived well. Unlike their Arab colleagues, these were in favour of fighting the Pakistan Army. 3) Local Cadre. Alliance through the seminaries and familiar Jihadi credentials provided the foreign cadre of militants with ready local supporters. These local Taliban were either veterans of the Afghan conflict or fresh sympathisers who were motivated by presence of US forces in Afghanistan and wanted to play their role in avenging the Muslim/Afghan honour. They comprised the students of seminaries with the bulk formed of the jobless tribal youth. Attracted by a purpose, cash, the sense of being empowered by a Kalashnikov and enhanced social esteem and with a strong sense of Pukhtunwali to defend the FATA’s status as free areas, they opposed the entry of Pakistan Army once it was perceived operating in league with the US Forces. b. Doctrine. All three groups were infuriated by the US excesses against the Muslims in Palestine, Iraq and Afghanistan. The Arab component was inspired by situation in Palestine and Iraq, Central Asian Group’s motivation was driven by the alliance between their rulers back home and the US. Since all identified US and her allies as the common denominator hence cooperated with each other. Primary target remains the US interests at the global level, however, raids on the US/Afghan forces inside Afghanistan and resistance to the presence of Pakistan Army is the local manifestation of their modus operandi. 15. Socio, Economic and Political Environment a. Tribesmen would live by “Pashtunwali” as long as there is an enabling environment and no conflict with the Pashtunwali. b. Clergy, maliks and Political Administration enjoy authority. c. They would present a unified response to any outside force only if the threat is perceived to the tribal status quo and religion. They would also react strongly in cases of personal honour. d. Agency politics is greatly influenced by the Wazirs and Mahsuds traditional rivalry. e. Majority of the population is unemployed or under employed. f. Though not all, madrassas are lead by semi-literate clerics with rigid perception about Islam and this is the knowledge that they pass on. g. There is very little agriculture in FATA. Pressure on the irrigated land in FATA is the most intense with 32 persons per irrigated hector as compared to 7 in Pakistan. Similarly, population per cultivated hector in FATA is 17 as compared to 6 persons in Pakistan. Forest and fisheries in FATA are negligible. Only 1.2% of FATA is under forest. h. The Administrative system has also discouraged investment in FATA. The system of collective responsibility discourages people to invest as there is no guarantee as to when the commercial activity within a tribe will be stopped and for how long. a. It has a literacy rate of 17.42 % against the national avg. of 45 %, female literacy is 3 %. i. Health coverage is negligible with one hospital bed for a 2327 persons. part iii – effects of talibanisation General. During the Afghan war, a number of madrassas mushroomed into Pakistan with the aim to recruit and prepare the men, to wage the holy war against the infidels. The end of the Afghan war did not signal the end to the activities of these Taliban, who turned to look different directions where they could wage jihad. The jihadi organizations over the years have been instrumental in fighting in Afghanistan and more recently in Kashmir. However, they would not hesitate to pickup arms against the government if they feel their interests are threatened. The process of Talibanisation in the Afghan War era and the resurfacing of these elements in current times have serious implications in the area of FATA. Some important effects are discussed in subsequent paragraphs. Effects 16. Undermining Tribal Leadership. The activities of Taliban, mostly those of foreign elements ran counter to Pakistan’s national interest internationally and domestically as they challenged the tribal status quo and the role and authority of Maliks. 17. Weakening of the Writ of the Government. Dwindling authority of Maliks in turn weakened the writ of the political government through Political Agent. The militant- local clergy nexus has been casting its shadow on the FATA’s political landscape. 18. Exploitation of Youth. The area is deprived of an elaborate civic infra structure like other provinces. Education facilities are not widespread and unemployment is a major social issue. Taliban Movement continued to catch the imagination of the tribal youth in the absence of viable alternatives. Thus they are inclined to answer the call of the miscreants in the garb of religious motivation and resisting allies of the US. Some of the effects on the youth are as under: a. Development of anti US sentiments, and with the implication of Pakistan aiding the US, anti state sentiments also take root. b. Resistance to Pakistan Army operations in FATA on the above pretext and that of maintaining the status of FATA as an independent area with Pakhtun sense of honour in the background. c. Foreign terrorists exploited the local religious sentiment and poor economic conditions by offering lucrative packages in the shape of money and positions of prominence in the tribal society thereby attracted youth and even veterans alike. Seducing them to make alliance with these elements and recruit the tribal youth as foot soldiers. d. Picking up of arms against “enemies of Islam” instils an element of glory in the youth. 19. Proliferation of Arms. Their presence brought arms, ammunition and unsolicited cash to the area and resulted into proliferation of arms smuggling. 20. Worsening of Law and Order Situation. Armed militant bands in some cases were able to coerce the locals into submission against their will and committed crimes against property and person, challenging the writ of the Law Enforcement Agencies. 21. International Pressure. Their reported nexus with Al-Qaeda came under intense international scrutiny putting Pakistan under immense pressure. 22. Spread of Violence in the Country. Their proliferation started affecting the hinterland and incidents of religious and sectarian violence were increasingly linked to FATA. 23. Possibility of Resurgence. Though humbled as a result of the military action, Taliban and terrorists isolated resurgence could not be ruled out. For now, the terrorists logistic infrastructure, communication potential, organisation and recruitment potential is under pressure, however, waning attention and let up in the politico-military pressure could result into organised resurgence in future. 24. Tarnishing the Army’s Image. The terrorists exploit the Pak-US alliance and projected the Army as an accomplice to the enemies of Islam. Hence all efforts by the Army to develop the area are viewed with scepticism. 25. Effect on Own Troops. The miscreants use propaganda means like FM radios, pamphlets, posters and even CDs aimed at exploiting the religious sentiments of the troops. They cast doubt about the legitimacy of the cause and provoke issues like the validity of ‘Shahadat’ etc. Part IV Foreign Involvements and Interests 26. USA. The US interests in Afghanistan as well as Pakistan dwindled after the Russian withdrawal from Afghanistan. However, Afghanistan assumed its importance as the oil rich Central Asian States were too tempting to be ignored. In short American interests in the region can be summarised as following:- a. The potential oil resources of the CARs and the Caspian Basin region are driving the strategic interests of America. b. The presence of US forces in Afghanistan is also aimed at long desired policy to “Contain China”. c. To check the flow of narcotics from Afghanistan. d. To stop the spread of religious fundamentalism and terrorism from Afghanistan. e. Check Russian and Iranian influence. 27. EU and Japan. Their interests in Afghanistan are mentioned below:- a. The EU and Japan want to see Afghanistan as a stable state to act as a future conduit for continuous flow of energy resources from CARs, as an alternative to the volatile Gulf Region. b. Active participation and major share in re-construction of Afghanistan. c. Elimination of the source(s) of terrorism and religious extremism. d. In harmony with the US marginalize the influence of Russia and Iran on Afghanistan. 34. Russia. The disintegration of USSR has not diminished her interest in the region, the main motivating factor being the new found oil treasure of Central Asia and it’s out ward flow. Russian interests in Afghanistan can be summarized as following:- a. Prevent or control the southern flow of oil through Afghanistan. b. Prevent the spread of terrorism and religious extremism emanating from Afghanistan towards CARs as well as remaining Russian Republics especially Chechnya . c. Retains influence in all former states of USSR. This influence is strengthened by passage of all oil and gas pipelines from CARs to Russia and the Black Sea. d. Keeping in view the affinity of CARs with Tajik, Uzbek and Turkmen populations of Afghanistan, Russia’s interest lies in a government in Kabul that is dominated by non-Pashtun groups. 35. China. Although China does not harbour any hegemonic designs, the fact that three out of five Central Asian States are her neighbours and that China also share her border with Afghanistan invokes her interests in the region. Chinese interests in the Afghanistan are appended below:- a. Being an emerging economic giant her energy requirements are also growing with an accelerated pace, hence oil from Central Asian States will become increasingly critical to her growth. b. The presence of American forces in her backyard i.e. Afghanistan and CARs in the close vicinity of China is being viewed suspiciously by China. c. Central Asian States and Afghanistan present a large market with rich mineral and human resources to China. d. Elimination of sources of terrorism and religious extremism emanating from Afghanistan and affecting Muslim majority Xinkiang province. 36. India. India wishes to exploit the prevailing international anti terrorism sentiments to her advantage, to further her regional and global ambitions of playing a key role in world affairs. Indian interests in Afghanistan are mentioned below:- a. India aspires to create friction between Pakistan and Afghanistan, by giving fillip to controversial issues by virtue of her influence on Afghan government. b. Despite India being averse to Pakistan getting any economic benefit, she would agree to proposed oil-gas pipeline project running through Afghanistan and Pakistan to meet her fast growing energy needs. c. However, if oil-gas pipeline project fails to take-off, India would like to retain the capability to threaten Pakistan by way of offensive LIC from Western borders. Opening of consulates in Jalalabad, Kandahar, Mazar-e-Sharif and Herat point in this direction. d. India would like to gain access to the Afghan and CARs markets so that she could influence its policies. However, to be economically viable, she has to acquire land route through Pakistan. e. India would also like to see a government in Afghanistan which is hostile to Pakistan so as to create a two front dilemma for Pakistan in any future war with India. Her effort to provide an alternative relief zone to Afghanistan through the Iranian port of Chahbahar is required to be seen in this backdrop. 37. Iran. Besides geo-strategic reasons, Iran has historical and cultural reasons to be interested in Afghanistan. Iran’s interests in Afghanistan can be summarized as following:- a. Iran has a major concern in protecting the interests of Shia minority in Afghanistan. b. Iran desires that the Kabul government should be predominantly non-Pashtun, so as to ensure that Iran’s strategic interests in Afghanistan are protected. c. In order to benefit from transportation of hydro-carbon resources of CARs, Iran would like that Afghanistan should remain relatively unstable, so as to strengthen the case for running the pipelines through Iran. d. Iran would like to get its share of the pie in re-construction of Afghanistan being funded by international community. e. Although presence of US/coalition forces in Afghanistan is not an immediate (direct) threat to Iran in short term, she would like to see the departure of US troops, as they do pose a threat in the context of Iran being declared part of the Axis of Evil. 38. CARs a. The CARs, particularly Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan would like to see a stable Afghanistan to enable them to transport their oil and gas pipelines to warm water ports of the Arabian Sea. b. Re-orientate their trade routes to the outside world by building links with the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean in order to diversify their imports and exports. c. Elimination of sources of terrorism and religious extremism affecting CARs. 39. Pakistan. The state with the closest ties and strongest links to Afghanistan is Pakistan. It is a proactive rather than reactive player. Pakistan is affected the most by the developments in Afghanistan as seen in Soviet occupation and recent Operation Enduring Freedom. Pakistan’s interests in a stable and friendly Afghanistan are:- a. Political Interests. Pakistan’s foremost political interest is to see a strong, stable and united Afghanistan, with a Pakistan-friendly government, giving the Pashtuns their due share in power. This would eliminate the threat of spill over of any separatist tendencies in Balochistan and NWFP. b. Economic Interests. Pakistan wishes to see a stable Afghanistan that enables the laying of oil and gas pipeline from CARs, through Afghan territory to Gwadar. Moreover, the CARs represent a huge market for Pakistani goods, and in turn Pakistan would benefit from CARs exports/imports transiting through Gwadar. c. Security Interests. In security terms, a strong and Pakistan-friendly government will result in a secure western border. This will relieve Pakistan of the possible threat of offensive LIC by India, from across the Durand Line. recommendations 40. General. To address the issue of Talibanisation at hand does not only imply to tackle the Taliban in isolation, it rather implies attending to a variety of multi faceted issues. After having identified the causes of Talibanisation, it would be only prudent to address the root causes and not only reaching at a symptomatic solution. The succeeding paragraphs would make recommendations to address the causes as well as effects of Talibanisation in FATA. 41. Political/Administrative Reforms. There is a need to invest in a devolution of power plan. Local body elections should take place in FATA which will empower the community to take their own decisions. The community at the grass root level will be involved in the planning and developmental process. A strong security force should be raised side by side which will not only help to improve in the law and order situation but also have such benefits as job opportunities, increased investment, etc. Introduction of local self-government and representation in NWFP assembly will remove political isolation. Certain steps to improve the situation are as under: a. Harmonizing FATA with rest of the country by bringing political reforms leading to integration at provincial level. b. Empowerment of the people of FATA through devolution of power. c. Improved Governance by having locals in the administrative and executive setup. d. Rationalization of judicial system by introduction of the same judicial system as in vogue in rest of the country. e. Extensions of utilities/taxation. 42. Socio - Economic Reforms. Most of the causes of Talibanisation have roots in socio economic conditions in FATA. It would be therefore natural to address these issues to create an atmosphere which is itself non-conducive for promoting Talibanisation. These causes have been amply highlighted in the preceeding sections, some recommendations in this area are: a. Development of a proper Infrastructure, including communication network, irrigation channels, drinking water supply and sanitation. This would also help in opening of inaccessible areas by linking them to a communication infrastructure. b. Employment and income generation leading to poverty alleviation. c. Community mobilization through improved access and communication (including roads, telecommunication, etc), provision of basic facilities (health, education and security), improved employment conditions, participation of locals. d. Expansion, extension and strengthening of social services. e. Natural resources management including forests, environment, rural development, minerals etc. f. Income generating projects in the live stock and dairy development, agriculture, promotion of handicrafts, encouragement of cottage industry, etc. Help in marketing of the handicrafts & value-added goods. g. Increased public sector investment and economic incentives. financial support, micro finance, including (credit saving). Industrial incentives and amenities to lure in industrial investment. h. Human resource development through improved education facilities, skill development projects like vocational training institutions, technical training institutions, on job employment and training etc. a. Launch awareness raising campaigns to propagate and promote true teachings of Islam, importance of education, self-reliance opportunities, basic health care, skill development and marketing. b. People should be educated through media on geo-political scenario, role of government and Army in development, harms of aiding miscreants, etc. 43. Education Reforms. Education provides the basis for socio-economic development and enhances the production capacity of communities. It also improves the political, social and economic conditions of the societies. Education is helpful in reducing poverty, and improving human resource utilization. Lack of education had been identified as a major cause of the issue at hand, therefore reforms in this sector would pay rich dividends. The Government has introduced its ESR (Education Sector Reforms) program and comparatively much larger funds (Rs 113 million) have been allocated for FATA. It is recommended that these funds should be utilised in the following areas and their continuity be ensured: a. Opening of more schools and colleges as per population distribution. b. Introduction of Technical Stream in existing High Schools in FATA. c. National education assessment system be introduced. d. Rehabilitation and improvement of existing schools. e. Provision of trained staff in adequate numbers for existing schools. f. Free education for all till matriculation. g. Focus on promotion of science education by providing well equipped laboratories to those High schools that did not have any laboratories and completely refurbish the existing science laboratories in high schools. h. Introduction and development of school and college libraries. a. Intro of Information Technology in FATA 1) Computer classes be introduced in selected high schools and colleges initially, extending subsequently to all high schools and colleges. 2) Provision of trained teachers for imparting computer education and training to local teachers. 3) Provision of internet in college libraries. 44. Madrassah Reforms. In addition to their role in nurturing extremism, the madrassas are a concern because of their non-technical, non-scientific curriculum. Many teach only religious subjects to their students, focusing on rote memorization of Arabic texts. In essence they are producing a generation of students unlikely to play a productive role in creating the type of modern dynamic economy necessary to reduce the country's grinding poverty. Although the Government has embarked on an ambitious Madrasah Reform Project, however, earnest implementation of the project in FATA be ensured. This implementation should be sustained and then followed up for obtaining desired results. The project will not, however work in isolation and the Government must take all indicated measures concomitantly to gain the confidence of the locals. 45. Military Operation. The steps enumerated above will lead to a gradual elimination of Talibanisation and its effects. However, the military option should be resorted to for combating armed militants and miscreants. The military operation should be coupled with a well planned psychological and media campaign to counter anti state propaganda and win moral support of the nation in general and the locals in particular. ConclUSION 46. It is too early to predict fully how historians will view The Taliban or to note if they had any lasting legacy on the World. Although religious puratanicalism has existed on most continents at one time or another it was the Taliban’s particular brand of ‘Nothing bar the will of God’ in a particular time and place which made it such a phenomena. Indeed if anything their naive performance as a government proved that in the world of men there is no substitute for sound government allied to the fear of God in a successful modern state. The future of Afghanistan is once again in the hands of the superpowers although this time they have seen perhaps what can come out of a combination of frustration of the people and self–interest of meddling external powers. BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. Afghan Wars, What Britain Gave Up and The Soviet Union Lost. Edgar O’Balance, Brasseys inc 2. Afghanistan, The Soviets last war, Mark Galeotti, Frank Cass and co 3. Afghanistan, Stephen Banner, DA Capo Press 4. Afghanistan: A New History, Richmond UK Curzon Press 5. Among The Afghans, Arthur Bonner, Duke University Press 6. 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