Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – The Taliban are actively establishing jihadi madrassas, or seminaries, across Afghanistan. Last year, they pledged to open “three to 10” madrasas in each province. With a cloud of uncertainty about the system of these religious education hubs, this calculated move could radicalize and inject extremism into the minds of millions of Afghan children.
With the closure of schools for women and other education bans, the Taliban seem to be trying to alter the semi-secular curriculum developed over two decades, transforming schools into jihadi seminaries. This shift not only deprives millions of Afghan children of their right to education but also indoctrinates them with a hardline mentality, grooming an extremist generation. The focus on rebranded Islamic knowledge over basic literacy signifies a departure from universal education principles.
The influence of such jihadi seminaries extends beyond Afghanistan, affecting regional stability and global security. Notorious institutions like the Darul Uloom Haqqania madrassa in Pakistan, known as the “University of Jihad,” have produced top Taliban leaders, influencing regional stability and global security.
The Taliban’s indoctrination process involves promoting militant ideologies, teaching without context or interpretation, and cherry-picking religious provisions. This method, devoid of critical thinking, plays a crucial role in the radicalization process, turning children into future militants and suicide bombers.
Undeniably, these jihadi seminaries not only serve as recruitment bases for the Taliban but also pose a looming peril to the entire world. The potential for cross-border extremism is a significant concern for regional stability and international security. Urgent international collaboration is imperative to address this imminent danger, recognizing the symbiotic relationship between these seminaries and the Taliban’s extremist agenda.
The integration of military training into the curriculum further reveals the Taliban’s long-term strategy to sustain their militant activities. This dual approach ensures that the next generation of fighters is not only ideologically aligned with the Taliban but also equipped with the necessary skills to carry out their extremist mission.
The surge in Taliban-backed jihadi seminaries presents a pressing global threat, fostering radical extremism and promoting violent jihad. It is crucial to halt the proliferation of these seminaries and promote a modern educational system to prevent the production of trained terrorists with hardline ideologies. Additionally, the Taliban’s exclusion of girls from education and public life underscores the need for urgent international attention to address the systematic denial of fundamental rights in Afghanistan.
