Fenomenet Taliban: Fra lokalopprør til storpolitikk

The article presents a broad analysis of the Taliban movement in Afghanistan. The basis of the movement lies in networks of traditional religious leaders and Islamic schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The ability to build on existing networks is seen as essential in explaining the mobilization and rise to power of the Taliban. Other factors of significance are their emergence as the only existing alternative to a widely unpopular regime, and the broad support provided by various groups in Pakistan. In parallel with this, we consider the deteriorating relationship between the Taliban and representatives of the international community, combined with the Taliban¿s evolution into a more radical, repressive, and centralized movement with an increasing and strengthened network of relationships with international terrorist organizations. Understanding the rise of the Taliban will be an important basis for the debate on future political solutions for Afghanistan.