Beheading ‘shows real aim of 9/11’
THE beheading by thetaliban of a former Afghan soldier shows how radical Islam has achieved the real aim of the 9/11 attacks – to create an engine for jihad in Afghanistan, experts said last night.
A graphic video, obtained by thewashington Examiner, showed six taliban fighters surround the man who, from his uniform, served in the US and Uk-backed Afghan National Army, before cutting his head off with a knife as they chanted “Mujahideen” – an Arabic term which refers to Muslims who fight on behalf of the faith against foreign oppressors.
It is further evidence the newly pronounced taliban government will not deliver its promised reforms, and western hopes for stability in Afghanistan will not materialise. “There was never any real basis to suppose thetaliban would honour its pledges,” said regional expert Kyle Orton.
“Its statements over the last 10
‘The real jihad is against the West’
years make no bones about their aims, to continue jihad until they have total control and kill everyone who worked with the West to defy them.”
He said pressure from ISIS-K to ensure Al-qaeda “doesn’t lose sight of the fact that real jihad is against thewest” will force the Taliban to keep a firm line or risk haemorrhaging supporters from rural areas.
“There is a big disconnect between leadership and rank and file.the new government may have thought it was sending a message that it has won by including three internationally wanted terrorists. But in reality, the puppet masters, groups like the Haqqanis, are on the streets where it matters,” said Mr Orton.
Justin Crump, of global risk analysis group Sibylline, said: “The real winner is the jihadist movement because they’ve achieved what they set out to achieve with 9/11.
“They have effectively beaten a super power and built a global Islamist movement which did not exist before. Afghanistan will be the engine for jihad.
“It’s enduring narrative is definitely more appealing now, regardless of whether it’s in Mozambique, Somalia or Yemen.”
Resistance could come from civilians in towns and cities who have benefited from 20 years of advances. “We may see a push back from civilians in urban areas, as well as the resistance in the Panjshir mountains which is still active,” said Mr Crump.