In the Mind of the Enemy

Op-ed

By: Elana Nachshin

Edited By: Sara WilsonThe current nuclear situation in Pakistan has stimulated infinite discussions around the world. Throughout the duration of the conflict the world has closely monitored the decisions, deliberations and tribulations experienced as the world’s leaders have worked tirelessly to alleviate the current crisis. Every day brings new challenges, and with these challenges come intense media scrutiny and awareness of the affected superpowers. However, despite being the origin for conflict, the universal attention wave appears to have narrowly avoided exclusive Taliban coverage altogether. We at Fox News wish to provide the much-needed insight into the minds of the radicals, coverage that has previously been strictly avoided by our competitors. 

In order for the world to fully understand the current situation, it is imperative to first comprehend the enemy. This comprehension can only come from a solid understanding the adversary’s rationale. During an exclusive interview with the Taliban and today’s media day, it was revealed that the Taliban possesses strongly-held justifications for their actions. In the opinion of the Taliban, their previously proposed threats are rationalized by their possession of “an entire Muslim population to protect”. In their view, this population would benefit greatly from both the institution of their version of Sharia law and the possession of “the holy land”. 

The Taliban hold very strong to the belief that what their population needs most is the tenure of “strong, Muslim leaders”. (This profession clearly states their discontent for the current political leaders in the Islamic world, namely those of Iran and Pakistan.) It is made very clear that, in the eyes of the Taliban, these motivating factors justify both the threatened violence and the seizure of nuclear weapons from a Muslim nation.  When pressed, the Taliban representatives noted that they do not relish the idea of using the apprehended nuclear weapons.  However they will use them, if necessary, to ensure that that their demands are met. (Of course, as always, barring the harm of innocent civilians). The threat, therefore, is a real one as the Taliban has firmly placed itself among the enemies of freedom.

Furthermore the Taliban strongly believes that they are not, in any sense of the word, terrorists.  When asked to define the word “terrorist”, the Taliban representative replied that in their minds, a terrorist is one who invades foreign soil (without just cause), enforces military control over foreign peoples and oppresses a group of individuals.  The Taliban seriously insists that it is not a terrorist organization, despite, in world opinion, their demonstration of many of the described qualities. However, the Taliban does express that in regards to the believed extremist criteria, prominent nations such as the United States, China and Great Britain are in fact terrorists. In the Taliban estimation, the United States and Britain are terrorist nations for their involvement in the war on terror and the presence of their troops in Middle Eastern countries, and China for its past “imperialism and oppression of its own people.” Clearly, this a war of words and not just nuclear weapons.

Editors note: The views and opinions expressed in this op-ed in no way represent the beliefs of Fox News or its affiliates. This piece is simply to provide a rare insight into the minds of the (not) Terrorists.