Original upload date: Wed, 08 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT
Archive date: Fri, 03 Dec 2021 18:03:16 GMT
For a higher quality version, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPWjuswmNIE
Oct 1998
Exploring the complex web of relations between the Taliban, Iran, Pakistan and fundamentalist Islamic groups.
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The story makes it clear that the Taliban have now turned their attention to Iran and have been fermenting trouble there. The Taliban take us to see Iranian hostages. Caught by the mujahadeen these diplomats were sold to the Taliban. They're booty in the intensifying struggle between the two great houses of Islam. Afghanistan is Sunni - Iran, Shia. Taliban members tell us of their intent to take the Taliban's revolution on to Iran. Mohiuddin is a militant member of Iran's Sunni minority. They are guests of the Taliban and have previously operated here in secret. But here they make an explosive announcement: the launch of their own Taliban-style revolution on Iranian soil. And if nations start aligning, Pakistan would be right by the Taliban's side.
Pakistan's creation of the Taliban is again strongly depicted through the Taliban Madrassas or schools, which are based in Pakistan. Filming in a key religious school near Peshawar, we find Sami-ul-Haq preaching to 2,500 students from all over the Arab world. A man who is one of the Taliban's ideological founding fathers, provides them with a new generation of recruits. Sami-ul-Haq is an ex Pakistani senator and his schools have trained many of the Taliban's central committee members. He tells us; "We now have Taliban from Arab countries, the Far East - Thailand etc. Central Asia also, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan - They are also seeking Islam." Anti-western students throw insults at the camera.
Meanwhile in bullet-ridden Kandahar we capture the militant Islamic state in action. At a public execution crowds gather to see 3 men convicted of murder gunned down by their victim's relatives.
Produced by ABC Australia
Distributed by Journeyman Pictures