ClassX Video Lessons Youtube Channel The Infographics Show Why Do the Taliban and ISIS Hate Each Other
The Taliban and ISIS are two extremist groups that both want to create a state governed by a strict version of Sharia law. Sharia law is meant to guide religious practices and ensure the well-being of individuals and communities. However, both the Taliban and ISIS have adopted harsh interpretations and use extreme violence to enforce their beliefs. Despite having similar extremist ideologies, these groups have been in conflict since 2015, which raises questions about their differing goals and beliefs.
It’s crucial to understand that neither ISIS nor the Taliban represents the views of all Muslims. These groups are extremists who have taken their interpretations of Islam to an extreme level that does not reflect the beliefs of ordinary practicing Muslims.
The Taliban emerged during the Afghan Civil War in the early 1990s. They originated in the Pashtun areas of Afghanistan and northern Pakistan. The civil war was largely driven by the Afghan government’s alliance with the Soviet Union, which led the United States to secretly support insurgent fighters known as the Mujahadeen. These fighters opposed the Afghan government and wanted to establish a more Islamic state, resulting in a series of violent uprisings.
Initially fragmented, the Mujahadeen became more organized with support from the U.S. and other countries. They resisted Soviet control until the Soviet withdrawal in the late 1980s. However, power struggles among Mujahadeen factions led to further violence.
Mullah Mohammed Omar, a Mujahadeen commander, eventually led a group of students from Islamic schools to form the Taliban, which took control of Afghanistan in 1996. The Taliban ruled with an iron fist, suppressing opposition and rolling back women’s rights. Their rule ended in 2001 following a U.S.-led invasion in response to the September 11 attacks.
In 2022, the U.S. and Taliban reached an agreement for American forces to withdraw, allowing the Taliban to regain control of Afghanistan. The Taliban follows a strict interpretation of Sunni Islam and enforces their version of Sharia law, which includes prohibiting women from attending school and restricting their public presence.
In contrast, ISIS, or the Islamic State, originated from the Salafi jihadist ideology, which seeks to establish an Islamic state globally and advocates for military action against non-Muslims and other Muslims deemed heretical. ISIS gained notoriety during the Iraq War and has actively recruited disaffected members from the Taliban.
ISIS-K, a splinter group affiliated with ISIS, operates in Afghanistan and has been hostile towards the Taliban, conducting attacks against them. The ongoing conflict between the Taliban and ISIS is rooted in their differing interpretations of Islamic law and their objectives.
While the Taliban employs guerrilla warfare tactics, ISIS uses more conventional military strategies and has effectively used social media for recruitment. The animosity between the two groups persists, with ongoing conflicts and little chance of an alliance.
As the Taliban controls Afghanistan, there are concerns about the resurgence of ISIS and its affiliated groups, potentially turning the country into a haven for terrorism. Despite the Taliban’s dominance, the historical enmity between the two groups suggests that cooperation is unlikely.
Engage in a classroom debate to explore the differing goals and beliefs of the Taliban and ISIS. Divide into two groups, each representing one of the extremist groups, and argue their perspectives based on the article. This will help you understand the nuances of their conflict and the reasons behind their animosity.
Work in pairs to create a timeline that highlights the key events in the rise of the Taliban and ISIS. Include major milestones such as the formation of the Taliban, the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan, and the emergence of ISIS. This activity will help you visualize the historical context and evolution of both groups.
Conduct a research project on Sharia law and its interpretations. Compare the versions enforced by the Taliban and ISIS with mainstream Islamic practices. Present your findings to the class to foster a deeper understanding of how these extremist groups differ from ordinary practicing Muslims.
Participate in a role-playing exercise where you assume the roles of international diplomats trying to mediate peace between the Taliban and ISIS. Discuss potential strategies and solutions to address their conflict. This will enhance your negotiation skills and understanding of international relations.
Analyze the use of social media by ISIS for recruitment and propaganda. Discuss how these strategies differ from those of the Taliban. Create a presentation on the impact of social media on modern conflicts and the challenges it poses for global security.
The Taliban and ISIS are both Islamist extremist organizations with similar interests, primarily aiming to establish a state governed by a strict interpretation of Sharia law. While Sharia law is intended to protect religious practices and safeguard personal and communal well-being, both groups have adopted brutal interpretations and have shown a willingness to use extreme violence to enforce their beliefs. Despite their shared extremist ideologies, the Taliban and ISIS have been in conflict since 2015. This raises questions about their differing goals and beliefs.
It’s important to note that neither ISIS nor the Taliban represents the views of all Muslims. Both groups are extremists who have taken their interpretations of Islam to an extreme that does not reflect the beliefs of ordinary practicing Muslims.
The Taliban rose to prominence during the Afghan Civil War in the early 1990s, originating in the Pashtun areas of Afghanistan and northern Pakistan. The civil war was largely fueled by the Afghan government’s alliance with the Soviet Union, prompting the United States to covertly support insurgent fighters known as the Mujahadeen. These fighters opposed the Afghan government and sought to establish a more Islamic state, leading to a series of violent uprisings.
The Mujahadeen, initially fragmented, gradually became more organized with support from the U.S. and other countries. They managed to resist Soviet control until the Soviet withdrawal in the late 1980s. However, the subsequent power struggles among Mujahadeen factions led to further violence.
Mullah Mohammed Omar, a Mujahadeen commander, eventually led a group of students from Islamic schools to establish the Taliban, which took control of Afghanistan in 1996. The Taliban ruled with an iron fist, suppressing opposition and rolling back women’s rights. Their rule ended in 2001 following a U.S.-led invasion in response to the September 11 attacks.
In 2022, the U.S. and Taliban reached an agreement for American forces to withdraw, allowing the Taliban to regain control of Afghanistan. The Taliban adheres to a strict interpretation of Sunni Islam and enforces their version of Sharia law, which includes prohibiting women from attending school and restricting their public presence.
In contrast, ISIS, or the Islamic State, originated from the Salafi jihadist ideology, which seeks to establish an Islamic state globally and advocates for military action against non-Muslims and other Muslims deemed heretical. ISIS gained notoriety during the Iraq War and has actively recruited disaffected members from the Taliban.
ISIS-K, a splinter group affiliated with ISIS, operates in Afghanistan and has been hostile towards the Taliban, conducting attacks against them. The ongoing conflict between the Taliban and ISIS is rooted in their differing interpretations of Islamic law and their objectives.
While the Taliban employs guerrilla warfare tactics, ISIS utilizes more conventional military strategies and has effectively used social media for recruitment. The animosity between the two groups persists, with ongoing conflicts and a lack of potential for alliance.
As the Taliban controls Afghanistan, there are concerns about the resurgence of ISIS and its affiliated groups, potentially turning the country into a haven for terrorism. Despite the Taliban’s dominance, the historical enmity between the two groups suggests that cooperation is unlikely.
Taliban – A fundamentalist Islamic militia group that emerged in Afghanistan in the mid-1990s, known for its strict interpretation of Sharia law and control over large parts of Afghanistan. – The Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021, leading to significant changes in the country’s governance and social policies.
ISIS – The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, a jihadist militant group that follows a fundamentalist doctrine of Sunni Islam and has been involved in numerous acts of terrorism and territorial control in the Middle East. – The rise of ISIS in the early 2010s led to widespread conflict and humanitarian crises in Iraq and Syria.
Sharia – Islamic law derived from the Quran and the Hadith, governing both public and private aspects of life for Muslims. – The implementation of Sharia law in certain regions has sparked debates about human rights and religious freedom.
Islam – A monotheistic Abrahamic religion founded on the teachings of the prophet Muhammad, emphasizing submission to Allah and adherence to the Quran. – Islam has played a significant role in shaping the cultural and political landscapes of many countries throughout history.
Afghanistan – A landlocked country in South Asia, known for its strategic location and history of conflict, particularly during the Soviet invasion and the subsequent rise of the Taliban. – Afghanistan’s geopolitical significance has made it a focal point of international relations and military interventions.
Civil War – A war between citizens of the same country, often driven by political, social, or economic disagreements. – The American Civil War was a pivotal event in U.S. history, fundamentally altering the nation’s trajectory regarding slavery and federal authority.
Mujahadeen – Islamic guerrilla fighters, particularly those who fought against Soviet forces in Afghanistan during the 1980s. – The mujahadeen were supported by various international actors during the Soviet-Afghan War, significantly impacting the region’s political dynamics.
Extremism – The holding of extreme political or religious views, often advocating for radical measures or actions. – Extremism can lead to violence and terrorism, posing challenges to global security and peace.
Conflict – A serious disagreement or argument, often a protracted one, which can occur between individuals, groups, or nations. – The conflict in the Middle East has been a central issue in international relations for decades.
Terrorism – The unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in pursuit of political aims. – Governments worldwide have implemented various strategies to combat terrorism and protect their citizens.
