While reading an Internet account of the Taliban recruiting a youth of 16 in Pakistan I was struck how similar this was to gang activities in the U.S.
The young man was told that he had been selected for jihad (in Islam this is known as: struggle in the way of God) and martyrdom.
Obviously the youth was not too happy and refused. The Taliban then told him he either accepted or his family would be harmed. Naturally he went to the training camp but soon escaped. He was captured and beaten and this time his family was threatened with death if he did not follow jihad.
He escaped again and this time was captured by the Pakistan military and here he was interrogated to get this story and is still in custody.
Within in the context of U.S. gang culture, anyone who refuses to comply with gangs’ demands or thwarts their objectives has committed an act of “insult” and “disrespect” which necessitates a punitive response. Threats do not diminish over time and risks to an individual who has been targeted frequently transfers to their family.
According to Larry Martines, long time friend and anti/counter-terrorism associate, this has been SOP in U.S. gangs since the 1950’s. The movie “American Me” is a classic in that it depicts a story of a Chicano and his gang in East Los Angeles, recruiting, development, and criminal activities. Many call it the Mexican mafia. This movie was based on actual individuals and gangs that go way back in the 60’s. These gangs are still in play as we speak. Even more powerful and structured, thanks to the electronic age.
Their rules of conduct have not changed one bit over the decades. The gangs are also generational and the bloodlines run back at least 3 generations, maybe even 4. All the Chicano gangs evolved from the “Pachuco” movement of the 40’s. Now they are moving towards cartel status in some states. The same evolutionary path the Mexicans followed when they elbowed the Colombians aside.
The MS-13 gang, also known as the Mara Salvatrucha, who was originally from El Salvador, and other Central American gangs, including certain Caribbean groups (Puerto Rican, Dominican, etc.) are considered to be the most dangerous gang in the U.S. Many American gangs have adopted the East Los Angeles models. Unfortunately, one can make the argument that California leads the way.
The U.S. government and particularly the military in Afghanistan, may be missing the boat on Taliban gang like activities. Maybe the Los Angeles Police Department, gang department, should be recruited to advise on Taliban gang like activities.
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Great article.