The Characteristic Traits of Terrorism and Interpretation of Jihad by Al-Qaeda and the Taliban in the Pak-Afghan Society

Counterinsurgency description is attaining impetus, as Pakhtun territory in Afghanistan and Pakistan remains engulfed in conflict. The War on Terror announced in the US just after 9/11 is fought in the region with full force and might. However, the use of excessive military force has yet not mustered positive results. Operation Geronimo (killing of Osama Bin Ladin) could not gain any sympathies for the allies; rather Pakhtuns are angry over the violation of their territorial integrity. Focusing upon them (Al Qaeda and the Taliban), it will become clear how the two perceive terrorism and Jihad with their varying attitudes towards one another vis-a-vis Pakhtun society. Terrorism does not have static characteristics; tactics employed and targets adopted have evolved over time. The Taliban and Al Qaeda’s interpretation of jihad, and the conviction and tactics of their undertakings command similar influence over the Pakhtun society in particular and the international community in general.