Up to 80% of the Taliban Not Hardcore

Don't we love to throw statistics around. People usually use them to prove a point that is not the point anyway. In times of war it is often a question of what to do with the bad guys when the war is over. In the case of the Taliban it seems an overhaul in image could be the answer. Last month, we were led to believe that the Taliban was a most evil scourge in, not only Afghanistan but, on the face of the earth. Today we are to believe they are not all bad.

According to British minister of State for Armed Forces Bill Ramsell only 20% are hardcore, ideological jihadis, while others joined  for "other reasons" and can be lured away. So 20% believe so staunchly in their cause that they cannot be swayed while 80% could go one way or the other.

Good to know the problem with be solved.

Did Taliban Officials Meet With UN Envoy?

There are reports that the UN Mission Head met with the Taliban. It seems the Taliban are unaware of this meeting. Discussions were apparently confirmed by a United Nations official in Kabul.

Some important details of the meeting are unknown such as where and when the meeting took place; what was agreed upon, if anything; and who represented the Taliban.

The Washington Post reports that the Taliban called reports of a meeting "futile and baseless rumours," and urged the continuation of jihad against invaders.

If the [Taliban] leadership, commanders, and subcommanders wanted comfortable lives, [says Newsweek reporter Sami Yousafzai], they would have made their deals long ago. Instead they stayed committed to their cause even when they were on the run, with barely a hope of survival. Now they're back in action across much of the south, east, and west, the provinces surrounding Kabul, and chunks of the north. They used to hope they might reach this point in 15 or 20 years. They've done it in eight. Many of them see this as proof that God is indeed on their side.