22 - 28 November 2001
Issue No.561
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Al-Ahram Weekly Online 22 - 28 November 2001 Issue No.561 |
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| Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 | Current issue | Previous issue | Site map | ||
A real surprise
People were surprised at how fast the Taliban withdrew before US forces in Afghanistan, but I find more surprising the way they withstood the American strikes, holding out for over a month.
In terms of weaponry and military training, these forces are quite primitive, and they are facing the mightiest military machine in history. Even the most powerful countries in the world have faltered before the US's power. How, then, has the war gone on for so long? How come it wasn't over in a matter of hours, like many wars we have witnessed in the modern era?
I believe there are two possible explanations for the Taliban's sudden retreat: either they have been destroyed by the relentless attacks, or their real forces will turn out to be those who are hiding in the mountains, waiting to draw American forces into guerrilla warfare in which modern weapons will be useless. In the latter case, the implication is that we may expect a terrible and protracted war.
This situation accords the Islamic world a special responsibility, for the victims of this war are, sadly, Muslims; but we must also realise that Islam itself is the greatest victim. The Taliban have hijacked and distorted Islam, and committed the most barbaric acts in its name. Just as we protest the death of innocent Afghans, therefore, we must also oppose the Taliban's version of Islam.
Based on an interview by Mohamed Salmawy.
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