In Their Own Words

Description

This path-breaking volume reveals a little-known aspect of how Lashkar-e-Tayyaba (LeT), a jihadist terrorist group, functions in Pakistan and beyond by translating and commenting upon a range of publications produced and disseminated by Dar-ul-Andlus, the publishing wing of LeT.

Only a fraction of LeT’s cadres ever see battle: most of them are despatched on nation-wide ‘proselytising’ (dawah) missions to convert Pakistanis to their particular interpretation of Islam, in support of which LeT has developed a sophisticated propagandist literature. This canon of Islamist texts is the most popular and potent weapon in LeT’s arsenal, and its scrutiny affords insights into how and who the group recruits; LeT’s justification for jihad; its vision of itself in global and regional politics; the enemies LeT identifies and the allies it cultivates; and how and where it conducts its operations.

Particular attention is paid to the role that LeT assigns to women by examining those writings which heap extravagant praise upon the mothers of aspirant jihadis, who bless their operations and martyrdom. It is only by understanding LeT’s domestic functions as set out in these texts that one can begin to appreciate why Pakistan so fiercely supports it, despite mounting international pressure to disband the group.

About the Author

C. CHRISTINE FAIR is Provost’s Distinguished Associate Professor, Georgetown University, and author of the acclaimed book Fighting to the End: The Pakistan Army’s Way of War.

Reviews

‘The definitive volume for understanding Pakistan’s most dangerous militant group. Fair brings us into the world of its operatives and illuminates the strategic thinking of its leaders. Her history is precise, her methodology ingenious, her conclusions groundbreaking.’

— Jacob Shapiro, Professor of Politics and International Affairs, Princeton University

‘Christine Fair provides penetrating, if disconcerting, insights into a terrorist group that is likely to thrive for a long time to come. Essential.’

— Ashley Tellis, Tata Chair for Strategic Affairs, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

‘With unflinching verve, Fair shows why conflict resolution focusing on bilateral negotiations or on de-radicalising militant networks ignores deeper causes of violence.’

— Flagg Miller, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, University of California, Davis, and author of The Audacious Ascetic

‘Fair sheds light on the domestic politics that render Lashkar-e-Tayyaba the Pakistan Army’s most valuable tool of proxy warfare. Indispensable for understanding one of the world’s most potent terrorist groups.’

— Walter C. Ladwig iii, Senior Lecturer in International Relations, King’s College London, and author of The Forgotten Front

‘Christine Fair’s familiarity with Lashkar-e-Tayyaba’s literature and history is evident in this finely grained account. She provides new insights into the organisation, the people it recruits, and their families.’

— Stephen Tankel, Associate Professor, American University, and author of Storming the World Stage: The Story of Lashkar-e-Taiba

Table of contents

Dedication vii

Acknowledgements ix

1. Introduction 1
2. The Genesis of the Indo-Pakistan Security Competition 21
3. Pakistan’s Creeping Jihad and Expanding Nuclear Umbrella 45
4. What Is the LeT? A Critical Examination 67
5. Who Are the Soldiers in the Army of the Pure? 111
6. The Domestic Politics of LeT 149
7. Dealing with LeT and Escaping Pakistan’s Nuclear Coercion 197

Appendix 1. Notes on Transliteration and Translation 215

Appendix 2. List of Acronyms 219

Appendix 3. Glossary of Non-English Words 221

Notes 227

Select Bibliography 291

Index 301