Taliban and Isis: The Differences

Zachary P. Sisson

Dr. Eggleston

ENGL 101-09

November 5, 2015

Taliban Vs. ISIS: The Stark Differences

        Many people in the western world believe that all terror groups are created equal; however, there are some stark difference between ISIS and the Taliban. While ISIS is without a doubt on of the most terroristic groups on the planet, raping and pillaging through Syria and Iraq. The Taliban handle themselves differently, rarely leaving the country of Afghanistan and typically only fighting in their country to bring it to a united Sunni Muslim country. Although its not as simple as it seems.

        ISIS is currently in the spotlight for their heinous crimes being committed all across the Middle East. While the US does what they can to impede their growth, it seems as if nothing can be done to curve the violence caused by the Sunni terrorist group. According the Merriam Webster, terrorism is defined as “the use of violence and intimidation in the pursuit of political aims.” The ISIS leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, has many times stated that the aim of ISIS is to overthrow the loosely established Iraq and Syrian regimes and instill a Sunni Caliphate amongst the two nations. This is the purest definition of terrorism in the modern world, and even more terrifyingly is that they are close to succeeding in seizing Iraq. However, a seemingly similar organization located east of Iraq disagrees with the goals and aspirations of ISIS. The interesting thing is that in the eyes of the US and its allies this other group known better as the Taliban, are equal to that of ISIS.

        The Taliban have been around for nearly 35 years, but have not always operated under the same name. In the 80s they were referred to as the mujahidin, and were successful in fighting off the Soviet Union which ultimately lead to the collapse of the Soviet Union. It was not until the early 90s that they changed their name to the Taliban. They began as a Sunni run Afghani school and indoctrinated children into the lifestyle that supported the Sunni beliefs and set within them the belief that Shiite Muslims were wrong. According to Wikipedia, in 1994 a Shiite Governor had abducted two teenage girls, shaved their heads and raped them repeatedly. With 30 Taliban fighters, and only 16 rifles they seized the compound and returned the girls to safety. As for the governor… He was hung by the neck until dead from the barrel of a tank. Later that same year, two militia commanders gunned down several civilians while the two were fighting for their right to sodomize young boys in the country. I believe these examples set a prime example of how the Taliban are often time misrepresented.

        Although it is possible find a diamond amongst the coal, it is understandable as to why people will see these two organizations as equals. Both have done their fair share of evil in the world. While ISIS is a younger organization, only coming into existence within the last 5 years, their actions are better broadcasted than that of the Taliban. Comparatively the Taliban have been seemingly dormant in their activities as of late, only breaking the news recently when they denounced ISIS for tarnishing the name and reputation of Sunni Muslims. While ISIS seeks world domination and genocide of those who do not see exactly as they do. The Taliban has a humbler goal… to simply turn Afghanistan into an Islamic State. Although the western powers have a problem with this lifestyle and have yet to allow a Sunni Muslim state to grow, the Taliban are thriving in Afghanistan.

This could possibly be because aside from fighting invading forces from the west, they are also the biggest drug producers in the world. Afghanistan is known for its marijuana and opium distribution world wide. Many US states often times look for Afghani marijuana, for its potency and medical properties. More than 77% of the worlds opium and 67% percent of the world marijuana comes from the Taliban controlled farms of Afghanistan. This makes the Taliban, one of the most despised terrorist groups in the EU and US, a global competitor in the illicit drug markets as well as the medical drug market. This not only benefits to the global economy yet makes them stand out as a brand. From a business prospective, they are smart for using their countries resources as a strongpoint which supplies their regime with armaments and power. However; they aren’t the only ones to capitalize off of their terroristic name in the world.