|
Distinction Between Al
Qaeda and Taliban: A Lethal Misconception
 Al
Qaeda was an idea and concept born out of anti American
sentiments which turned into ideology after it mixed with
Islamic fundamentalism.
After it became ideology it was not limited
to Al Qaeda it became a guiding philosophy in different segments
of Muslim societies in general and in Pashtoons living on the
both sides of Afghan-Pak border in particular. Then it spread
onward in North and South Waziristan and Swat valley.
United States separated Taliban from Al Qaeda
and spent all its energies to eliminate Al Qaeda actors in
Afghanistan and on the other side of the border in Pakistan. Al
Qaeda had built deep relationship with Taliban in Afghanistan.
This relationship not only remained intact after fall of Kabul
it grew into a stronger bond as they both started their fight
against United States.
United States not only separated Al Qaeda
from Taliban it also divided Taliban in two groups: good
Taliban, and bad Taliban. Those who wanted to talk to the United
States became good Taliban whereas those who stood affirm on
their ground and continued wars against United States were
declared bad Taliban.
Government of Pakistan also applied the same
strategy in Swat valley. It distinguished between the Taliban
who were waging armed struggle against the government and those
who ostensibly wanted to impose Sharia in Swat valley and
Malakand division peacefully.
Both governments, United States and Pakistan,
made serious tactical mistake. There should have been no
distinction made between Al Qaeda, good Taliban and bad Taliban.
All three of them are one and the same thing, one more
aggressive than other, and one more lethal than the other.
If both governments, United States and
Pakistan, had dealt with Al Qaeda, good Taliban and bad Taliban
with one standard, the things would not have gone that bad in
Pakistan. This tactical error proved lethal misconception on the
part of governments of United States and Pakistan.
A lot of damage has already been done.
However, it is still not that late. By adopting a one point
strategy against Al Qaeda, good Taliban and bad Taliban, this
war can be won. Both governments, US and Pakistan, must get over
with the perception of separation of Al Qaeda, good Taliban and
bad Taliban.
The fact of the matter is Al Qaeda is spirit,
good Taliban are the supply line, and the bad Taliban are the
foot soldiers who are fighting Al Qaeda’s war in Afghanistan and
Pakistan.
Spokespersons of government of Pakistan often
mention about the foreign funds and arms supplies to Taliban.
Even as of May 4, Rehman Malik, Interior Minister, appealed to
foreign governments to halt the supply of arms to Taliban.
If monies and arms are coming to Taliban they
are coming through Al Qaeda connections. It is Al Qaeda that is
making possible the continuous flow of monies and arms to
Taliban. Al Qaeda is making it happen because it is her
existence at stake. If Taliban win, Al Qaeda wins; if Taliban
lose, Al Qaeda loses. If Taliban survive, Al Qaeda survives; if
Taliban die, Al Qaeda dies.
Therefore, it is important that no
distinction is made in war against Al Qaeda and Taliban. Without
ending this misconception, it is possible, all policies formed
to defeat Al Qaeda and Taliban may fail.
Let us not keep repeating the same mistake
over and over and expect different results. Misconceptions lead
to flawed strategies and flawed strategies produce flawed
results. In Al Qaeda and Taliban case, neither United States,
nor Pakistan can afford flawed results.
| 
