Taliban issues new code of conduct

Al-Jazeera, July 27, 2009

The Taliban in Afghanistan has issued a book laying down a code of conduct for its fighters.

Al Jazeera has obtained a copy of the book, which further indicates that Mullah Omar, the movement’s leader, wants to centralise its operations.

The book, with 13 chapters and 67 articles, lays out what one of the most secretive organisations in the world today, can and cannot do.

It talks of limiting suicide attacks, avoiding civilian casualties and winning the battle for the hearts and minds of the local civilian population.

James Bays, our correspondent in Afghanistan, said every fighter is being issued the pocket book entitled “The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Rules for Mujahideen”.

The book sheds considerable light on the structure, organisation and aims of the group, he said.

Mullah Omar is quoted as saying that creating a new mujahideen group or battalion is forbidden.

“If unofficial groups or irregular battalions refuse to join the formal structure, they should be disbanded,” Omar says.

Individual Taliban commanders have so far had a fair degree of autonomy, often deciding what operations to conduct and how to run the territory that they control.

Our correspondent said the regulations seem to be an attempt by Mullah Omar to bring all of the Taliban under his control.

“We have in the past had a lot of different groups in Afghanistan operating under the umbrella of the Taliban,” Bays said.

“But it says in these regulations that if you find an irregular battalion that is not obeying orders then what you have to do is find that battalion and then disarm them.”

Suicide bombing rules

Michael Griffin, an Afghanistan expert and author of the book Reaping the Whirlwind: Al Qaeda and the Holy War, told Al Jazeera: “The Taliban … is flirting very closely with criminality on a very, very, large scale.

“If you think of the New York Times reporter who was kidnapped in November last year and released for $8mn, this was a criminal act and has nothing to do with the Taliban as a political and military force.

“I think [Mullah Omar is] trying to bring all the disparate elements in the Taliban together under one umbrella to somehow isolate and and separate the elements which are simply criminal.

“But this is a difficult cause because there are a lot of people in the Taliban because it pays them.”

While the Taliban have repeatedly used suicide bombings across Afghanistan, the book now says that they should be used only on high and important targets.”

‘Strong guarantees’

“A brave son of Islam should not be used for lower and useless targets. The utmost effort should be made to avoid civilian casualties,” the book says.

There are now clear guidelines on how the Taliban will treat its prisoners as well.

“Whenever any official, soldier, contractor or worker of the slave government is captured, these prisoners cannot be attacked or harmed,” it says.

“The decision on whether to seek a prisoner exchange or to release the prisoner with strong guarantees will be made by the provincial leader.

“Releasing prisoners in exchange for money is strictly prohibited.”

The book further states that if a “military infidel” is captured, the decision on whether to kill, release or exchange the hostage is only to be made by the Imam, a reference to Mullah Omar, or deputy Imam.

‘Winning hearts’

The book makes it clear that it is the duty of every fighter to win over the local population.

“The mujahideen have to behave well and show proper treatment to the nation, in order to bring the hearts of civilian Muslims closer to them.

“The mujahideen must avoid discrimination based on tribal roots, language or geographic background.”

Our correspondent said the reference to winning over the hearts of the Afghan people is very similar to language used by Nato-led military forces in the country.

“Recently the Nato commander here issued a new tactical directive saying that civilians should not be bombed – almost the same words in these regulations to Taliban fighters,” Bays said.

“Both sides [are] trying to win over the civilian population in their area.”

The release of the rule book comes less than a month before Afghans head to the polls for a presidential election, which the Taliban has deemed an illegitimate system imposed by foreigners.

The timing may be just a coincidence, however, as rival presidential candidates detail their manifestos and the Taliban makes an effort to win over the Afghan public.

Following are some key quotes that outline the new code of conduct:

On asylum:

“Every Muslim can invite anyone working for the slave government in Kabul to leave their job, and cut their relationship with this corrupt administration. If the person accepts, then with the permission of the provincial and district leadership, a guarantee of safety can be given.”

On prisoners:

“Whenever any official, soldier, contractor or worker of the slave government is captured, these prisoners cannot be attacked or harmed.

“The decision on whether to seek a prisoner exchange, or to release the prisoner, with a strong guarantee, will be made by the provincial leader. Releasing prisoners in exchange for money is strictly prohibited.”

“If the prisoner is a director, commander or district chief or higher, the decision on whether to harm, kill, release or forgive them is only made by the Imam or deputy Imam.”

If a military infidel is captured, the decision on whether to kill, release or exchange the hostage is only to be made by the Imam or deputy Imam.”

On civilian casualties:

“Governors, district chiefs and line commanders and every member of the Mujahideen must do their best to avoid civilian deaths, civilian injuries and damage to civilian property. Great care must be taken.”

On suicide attacks:

“Suicide attacks should only be used on high and important targets. A brave son of Islam should not be used for lower and useless targets. The utmost effort should be made to avoid civilian casualties.”

On unity:

“Creating a new mujahideen group or battalion is forbidden. If unofficial groups or irregular battalions refuse to join the formal structure they should be disbanded. If a governor or leader has in the past had a unit or active group in another province, they should bring it to the attention of the leader of that province. That leader should then take over command of the group.”

On relations with the Afghan people:

“The Mujahideen have to behave well and show proper treatment to the nation, in order to bring the hearts of civilian muslims closer to them. The mujahideen must avoid discrimination based on tribal roots, language or their geographic background.”