Osama’s ghost

In this brief documentary filmed over the last two years, filmmaker and author Philip Smucker narrates from Pakistan’s northwestern frontier where efforts to eradicate Taliban sanctuaries remain stalled. Schooled by Taliban fighters in remote locations, young jihadists learn ideology and new fighting techniques as they prepare for war against the United States. A Taliban propaganda ...

In this brief documentary filmed over the last two years, filmmaker and author Philip Smucker narrates from Pakistan's northwestern frontier where efforts to eradicate Taliban sanctuaries remain stalled. Schooled by Taliban fighters in remote locations, young jihadists learn ideology and new fighting techniques as they prepare for war against the United States.

In this brief documentary filmed over the last two years, filmmaker and author Philip Smucker narrates from Pakistan’s northwestern frontier where efforts to eradicate Taliban sanctuaries remain stalled. Schooled by Taliban fighters in remote locations, young jihadists learn ideology and new fighting techniques as they prepare for war against the United States.

A Taliban propaganda machine still churns out anti-American materials as tribal leaders complain that the fighters are "brainwashing" their children. In neighboring Afghanistan, Afghan and British experts warn that Afghan Taliban have long since become part of a broader "global jihad" advised by al Qaeda and forces within Pakistan. Meanwhile, U.S. President Barack Obama has staked his success as commander-in-chief on an ambitious counterinsurgency effort that tries to fight the Taliban stabilizing a nation.

British author and development worker Rory Stewart warns Pashtun tribesmen see NATO forces, despite their good intentions, as "occupiers." The alliance’s effort to project "soft power" while using adequate military might, he insists, is often a self-defeating proposition.

Philip Smucker is the author of My Brother, My Enemy: America and the Battle of Ideas across the Islamic World. For further reading and videos that accompany the same project, please see, www.philipsmucker.com

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