The talisman is a powerful object that is believed to possess magical or supernatural properties. It is often worn or carried by an individual for protection or to bring good luck. Talismans have been used by various cultures and religions throughout history. The concept of the talisman can be traced back to ancient times. Different cultures and civilizations have their own unique beliefs and practices surrounding the use of talismans. In some cultures, talismans are created by combining specific symbols or objects that are believed to have protective or beneficial qualities.
The Taliban governance structure lacked justice, truth or reparation for crimes under international law or human rights violations. Courts and prosecutors did not investigate extrajudicial executions or prosecute those committing other human rights violations. The independence of the judicial system was severely damaged by the Taliban replacing judges and courts with their own systems of justice.
Facing mass displacement during the war, many Afghans found solidarity in the religious rhetoric of the mujahideen resistance and opportunity in schools of Islamic sciences called madrasahs in southern Afghanistan and northern Pakistan. Taliban , Pashto Ṭālebān Students , also spelled Taleban , ultraconservative political and religious faction that emerged in Afghanistan in the mid-1990s following the withdrawal of Soviet troops, the collapse of Afghanistan s communist regime, and the subsequent breakdown in civil order.
In some cultures, talismans are created by combining specific symbols or objects that are believed to have protective or beneficial qualities. The purpose of a talisman can vary depending on the beliefs of the individual or culture. Some people wear or carry talismans to ward off evil spirits or protect against negative energies.
What is the Taliban?
The Taliban is a terrorist group that seized back control of Afghanistan’s government in August 2021.
The origin of the Afghan conflict dates back to 1978 when operatives of Afghanistan’s leftist/Communist Party assassinated the country’s president and set up a puppet government on behalf of the Soviet Union. One year later, the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan to support their new regime. To defend their Cold War interests, the United States supplied billions of dollars through a covert CIA operation based in Pakistan to support a resistance of Islamist-Afghan fighters who called themselves mujahideen, or “Soldiers of God.”
Over the decade of Soviet occupation, more than six million Afghans escaped to Pakistan and other countries. With few options for educating their children, refugees in Pakistan sent their boys, many of whom were orphans, to the Islamic seminaries, or madrassas, of Pakistan’s military government. The schools, with support from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and several Gulf countries, offered room and board and fundamentalist instruction that framed the Soviet war in religious terms. Upon graduation, many Taliban students joined the mujahideen “in defense of Islam” to “remove infidel forces” from Afghanistan, with clandestine U.S. backing.
Seeking control over Afghanistan and influence in Central Asia against India, Pakistan moved to create a proxy force from the fundamentalist madrassas graduates, the fringes of Afghan society, the refugee camps, and the most radical remnants of the mujahideen.
The Soviets withdrew in 1989, and the United States then halted its aid too, declaring a Cold War victory. The resulting collapse of the remaining Afghan government in 1992 opened the way for a power struggle among the mujahideen – Afghan leaders who fought against the Soviet invasion – descended into civil war. The most extreme faction, the Taliban, emerged from the chaos of the civil war with the help of several countries, including Pakistan, and took power over Afghanistan in 1996.
The Taliban in Power – 1996-2001
The word Taliban means students in Pashto, and leaders of the movement were and are exclusively clerics, a majority of them not well educated in religion or non-religious subjects. All are noted for religious zealotry, links to terrorist groups such as Al Qaeda, drug trafficking, and abhorrence of modern values and symbols. Many lack experience of the pre-war diverse culture of Afghanistan, having grown up in the all-male madrassas with women only existing as a remote presence in their lives.
With Pakistan’s generous cash support and training, the Taliban expanded its reach throughout Afghanistan, partly by denouncing corruption and took control of Kabul in September 1996.
While in power, the Taliban immediately closed schools for girls, banned women’s higher education, and set up a gender apartheid society. Violations were punished with public floggings, stonings, and executions. Afghanistan became a training ground for Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups, all bringing in significant resources and new energy to support the fundamentalist dictatorship. Worldwide condemnation ensued, and the only countries to recognize the new regime were Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. After the Al Qaeda attack of the Twin Towers in New York City on 9/11/2001, the United States and its allies returned in force and ousted the Taliban at the end of 2001.
The Taliban – 2001 to 2021
As the Taliban regime collapsed, their leaders fled to Pakistan and began to regroup. U.S. officials made little public effort to stop them or to deter Pakistani support, evidently believing the Taliban was finished as a relevant force. But they evolved into a destructive war machine with further help from Pakistan, Iran, China, and Russia, waging unconventional and violent attacks from 2002-2021 in Afghanistan. In an attempt to gather support, it portrayed itself as a nationalist and religious movement to once again oust an invading force the Afghan Islamic Republic government.
Meanwhile, the U.S. and NATO helped establish a democracy and a republic government. With massive support from the U.S., NATO countries and allies, the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan was established with a constitution that guaranteed women and girls equal rights and established a Ministry for Women’s Affairs, seeking to end discrimination against women and minorities. Both public and private universities and schools were established, and women once again became doctors, teachers, nurses, lawyers, artists, engineers, public servants, and more. Elections were established, and despite terrorist attacks, millions of people (men and women) voted.
The Trump Administration sought a peace deal with the Taliban excluding the Afghan Republic’s representatives from all aspects of the negotiation.
The Biden Administration came to office in 2021 on a campaign promise to end the unpopular war. After much public agonizing, the administration chose not to rescind the Trump Administration’s agreement with the Taliban and the promised withdrawal of the US military from Afghanistan. The Taliban surged in strength, easily retook Kabul, and returned to power on August 15. The last U.S. troops and contractors left Afghanistan on August 30 in a chaotic last-minute airlift.
The Taliban Today – August 15, 2021 to Present
The Taliban today is running the country with the same brutality as before. About half the current Taliban cabinet is on lists of either sanctioned individuals or terrorists or both. The interior minister, for example, has a $10 million U.S. bounty on his head. The Taliban has established an all-male regime from one ethnic group that is working to consolidate its power. As documented previously in this campaign kit, the Taliban has embarked on an historic undoing of all the hard-won socio-economic and political progress Afghanistan made in the previous 20 years, from 2002-2021. The Taliban remains immensely unpopular among the Afghan people for its brutal regime. Since their second return to power, they have committed war crimes and remain unaccountable for these crimes.
Others may use talismans to attract good luck, prosperity, or love. Talismans may also be used in rituals or ceremonies for specific purposes. In many cultures, the power or effectiveness of a talisman is believed to be enhanced by specific rituals or incantations. These rituals may involve the use of sacred words or actions to activate or transfer the magical properties of the talisman to the wearer. The specific symbols or objects used in talismans can vary widely. Common symbols include religious or spiritual symbols, such as crosses, pentagrams, or amulets depicting deities or saints. Other talismans may incorporate natural materials, such as stones or herbs, that are believed to possess certain properties or energies. While talismans are often associated with supernatural or magical beliefs, they can also hold personal significance for the wearer. Many people choose talismans based on their own individual beliefs, desires, or experiences. Talismans can serve as a reminder of personal goals or values, providing a sense of comfort or motivation. In summary, the talisman is a powerful object that is believed to possess magical or supernatural properties. It is often used for protection or to bring good luck or fortune. While the specific symbols or objects used in talismans can vary, their purpose remains the same: to provide a sense of security and positive energy..
Reviews for "Talismans for Protection: Shielding Yourself from Negative Energies"
1. John - 1 star
I found "What is the Talisman about" to be incredibly confusing and convoluted. The plot seemed all over the place, with no clear direction or purpose. The characters were poorly developed and lacked depth, making it difficult to feel invested in their journey. The writing style was also quite dull and failed to captivate my interest. Overall, I was very disappointed with this book and would not recommend it.
2. Sarah - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "What is the Talisman about," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The story felt slow-paced and dragged on unnecessarily. The supposed twists and turns in the plot were predictable, and the ending left me feeling unsatisfied. Additionally, the dialogue between characters was unrealistic and forced. I struggled to connect with any of the characters, which made it difficult to care about their outcomes. While the concept had potential, the execution was lacking, and I was left feeling underwhelmed.
3. Michael - 2 stars
"What is the Talisman about" was a confusing and disjointed read for me. The narrative jumped between different timelines and perspectives without clear transitions, making it hard to follow. The world-building was also weak, leaving many unanswered questions about the setting and its magical elements. The pacing was off, with long stretches of boredom followed by rushed action scenes that lacked depth. I did not find myself emotionally invested in the characters, and their motivations often seemed unclear. Overall, I found this book to be a frustrating and unsatisfying reading experience.