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T_igger_cs_30 · 03-22-2008, 15:13 PM

I found this a very interesting paper, something I had heard of vaguely but knew little of.

IMO , in its simplest form it is pure propaganda,with embedded threats aimed at a target audience of illiterate villager's who in the main have to have these (Shabnama's) read to them.
Interestingly though, some PYSOP officers consider these documents "eloquent and impresseive" and in some circumstances more effective than there own operational artefacts.
many are mentioned in this paper, however I did find fascinating that one of the primary "heroes" was a "Turkic" (non Afghan) (not the only one) Sultan Mahmud Ghaznawi, reputedly ran about 17 campaigns against India, he became very wealthy from raiding wealthy Hindu temples, more importantly it is reported that his Mullahs converted many Hindus to Islam.
(I would be curious to know an approximate of the population this effected if anyone has it to hand, untill I can research it).

The History as all history is, is fascinating, but as "eloquent and effective" as the Shabnama's are, it still boils down to "FEAR", the Afghani's have a long history of being invaded, and the invaders never stay around for long for whatever reason, so over the years the Taliban have become masters of controlling there own through fear.
The fear of you and your family being killed after the present force has left is a very strong vote getter, being classed as "one of them" is a death sentence to an Afghani.
Those that ignore the warnings are dealt with swifly and deliberatley and the fact that these Letters are sanctified by religous scholars just adds to the fear the average Afghan villager already carries.
So IMO as "eloquent and effective" as these letters are they are just the host for the fear and intimidation that the Taliban thrive on, and that is why I feel we are seeing a rise in Taliban support again.
A tried and tested Taliban formula.

03-22-2008, 15:13 PM	#6 (permalink)
T_igger_cs_30 *Military Professional* Join Date: 01-04-07 Location: Canada Posts: 1,943 Country:	WaltzingMatilda I found this a very interesting paper, something I had heard of vaguely but knew little of. IMO , in its simplest form it is pure propaganda,with embedded threats aimed at a target audience of illiterate villager's who in the main have to have these (Shabnama's) read to them. Interestingly though, some PYSOP officers consider these documents "eloquent and impresseive" and in some circumstances more effective than there own operational artefacts. many are mentioned in this paper, however I did find fascinating that one of the primary "heroes" was a "Turkic" (non Afghan) (not the only one) Sultan Mahmud Ghaznawi, reputedly ran about 17 campaigns against India, he became very wealthy from raiding wealthy Hindu temples, more importantly it is reported that his Mullahs converted many Hindus to Islam. (I would be curious to know an approximate of the population this effected if anyone has it to hand, untill I can research it). The History as all history is, is fascinating, but as "eloquent and effective" as the Shabnama's are, it still boils down to "FEAR", the Afghani's have a long history of being invaded, and the invaders never stay around for long for whatever reason, so over the years the Taliban have become masters of controlling there own through fear. The fear of you and your family being killed after the present force has left is a very strong vote getter, being classed as "one of them" is a death sentence to an Afghani. Those that ignore the warnings are dealt with swifly and deliberatley and the fact that these Letters are sanctified by religous scholars just adds to the fear the average Afghan villager already carries. So IMO as "eloquent and effective" as these letters are they are just the host for the fear and intimidation that the Taliban thrive on, and that is why I feel we are seeing a rise in Taliban support again. A tried and tested Taliban formula. __________________ $<img src=http://C:\Documents and Settings\Wayne Smith\My Documents\002...My Pictures border=0 alt= />$ FEAR NAUGHT I don't work here ...I am an analyst!