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July 27, 2006

The Economics of War

I have always imagined civil wars being fought by two armies built on differing ideology. In Afghanistan, the Taliban has built an army based on economics. I can only imagine the dialogue at night:

man 1: So what do you do for a living?
man 2: I am part of the insurgency killing the afghan soldiers for the Taliban.

man1: Oh, so you don't like the way the country is transforming?
man2: Oh no it's great - the Taliban just pays better.

The Taliban has found a way to recruit fighters that is less about winning hearts and minds and more about the enduring appeal of cold hard cash.

They are paying fighters up to $12 (6.50 Euros) a day to fight the fledgling Afghan National Army, which pays only $4 a day to its soldiers in the field, according to military officials.

Read More -> FT.com / World / Asia-Pacific - Taliban goes for cash over ideology

Posted by Mike on July 27, 2006 9:16 AM