Analysing the New Taliban Code of Conduct (Layeha): An Assessment of Changing Perspectives and Strategies of the Afghan Taliban.

摘要

Periodically, Afghanistan's Taliban leadership formally issues 'Layeha' or 'codes of conduct' for their fighters and supporters. Layeha offer important insights into the Afghan Taliban's objectives, strategies, and the psyche/perspective of Taliban leadership. This article presents an analysis of the Taliban's code of conduct and examines what Layeha tell us about Taliban objectives, strategy, and organization. Such information would seem particularly important as the United States and its coalition allies assess their Afghan operational strategy as well as their exit strategy from the country. This analysis of the Layeha suggests that the Taliban remain most concerned with the following: chain of command principles preventing the fragmentation of the various Taliban networks; obtaining and maintaining public support by winning the 'hearts and minds' of local residents; ensuring that enough fighters remain engaged in combat; and galvanizing the perception that the Taliban represent a capable, desirable, and fair alternative to the current Afghan political establishment.