|
Taming the Taliban
From Asia Times...The fortress-like building surrounded by huge mud walls was in fact not just a family residence, but also an annex for guests of former top Taliban official Mullah Abdul Manan. The complex is located in the dusty village of Takai on Rogani Road in Balochistan province, and serves as a vast reception area for the many Khawaja Zai tribal guests who call on Manan, the former governor of Samangan province in Afghanistan during Taliban rule, which ended in late 2001 in the face of the US-led invasion of the country. Amid much publicity, given his seniority, Manan was arrested by Pakistani authorities six months ago, and released without fanfare last Thursday. This correspondent arrived at the complex without notice, and was overwhelmed by the effusive hospitality offered, starting with a warm welcome from black-turbaned young men at the outside gate. This was despite the correspondent's Western attire (non-existent in these parts) and warnings from fellow journalists in Chaman of possible problems. Afghans are famous for their hospitable nature, as this correspondent can verify after being a guest of many Pashtun and Afghan tribal leaders. But the treatment at Manan's residence was exceptional. A full meal was served, including lamb kebabs and curry, foreign soft drinks and buckets full of lasi (a drink made of curd and water), followed by a selection of desserts, and of course endless rounds of green tea, rounded off with Iranian dried fruit. After all this sweetness, the bitter moment. "Mullah Manan has gone to Quetta." Sadly the visit was over, and there was nothing for it but to head back to Chaman. "How can a Talib, who is supposed to be underground in a bad condition, especially after just coming out of six months in jail, manage to provide such a lavish feast for his guests?" Asia Times Online asked a local Jamiat-i-Ulema-i-Islam (Fazalur Rehman wing - JUI-F) leader in Chaman. "He is no longer one of Mullah Omar's [Taliban leader] Talib. His loyalties were thoroughly sorted out in the six months in prison. Now he is an ISI [Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence] man. Poverty is no more his future. He is and shall be playing in greenbacks and he can provide even more lavish food for his visitors," said the leader with a sarcastic smile. Posted by: Paul Moloney 2004-09-09 |
| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=42757 |