This individual is a guest contributor. MEI is not able to assist with contact requests.
Nick Miszak is Senior Research Officer at The Liaison Office (TLO), an independent Afghan non-governmental organization involved in research and advocacy, peacebuilding, and natural resource management. Nick Miszak received a bilingual MA in Social Sciences from the University of Fribourg, Switzerland.
Mullah Omar Wants You! Taliban Mobilization Strategies or Motivations for Joining the Insurgency
Originally posted December 2009
The Taliban insurgency in Afghanistan seemingly benefits from an unlimited reservoir of “foot soldiers” ready to take up the fight against the Afghan government and its international military supporters. The foot soldiers’ motivation is often attributed to ideology, poverty, and/or a lack of education. However, the ability of the Taliban insurgency to mobilize recruits is complex and driven by a mix of political, economic, and social factors.
