Series 4 of the Taliban, Turbans and the Smartphone Podcast Series gives an analyst perspective on developments in Afghanistan during the Taliban’s fourth year in power.  It examines developments in the Islamic Emirate governance, resistance to the Taliban and the implications for the wider world.

In the first episode of the new Series, Michael and Tamim discuss a remarkable new book, entitled Emirate Studies and published in Afghanistan, in Pashto.  It is authored by a Taliban official, who was one of the writers for the movement’s insurgency-era Culture Commission.  That commission was the Taliban’s remarkably successful propaganda wing.  It helped develop the Taliban’s victory narrative and rebrand the movement as it pursued power.

Now, Qari Abdul Sattar Saeed has presented the Taliban’s perspective on Afghan history, the anti-Soviet jihad, the post-2001 insurgency, the Taliban’s periods in power and their worldview.  This is how the Taliban leadership wants its cadres to understand the movement.  The book is now a key resource used in training the latest generation of Taliban I courses all over Afghanistan.  It is the most concise guide to how Taliban think.

Podcast produced by Colm Heatley.