Misconceptions about the Relationship Between Militancy and Madrassahs in Swat

Abstract

The paper aimed to analyse the determinants of young militants’ recruitment by the Taliban in Swat, Pakistan from 2007-2009. The research evaluated whether madrassas played a pivotal role in militant recruitment, as often quoted by the media or if recruitment was an outcome of multifaceted processes with various causes. The case files and detailed histories of 76 ex-militants belonging to Sabaoon (a rehabilitation and deradicalization centre based in Swat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) were studied using a mixed method approach. A content analysis was initially performed after which the qualitative data was statistically analysed to produce results. The findings revealed that madrassahs were not significantly involved in militant recruitment and other factors like family and social group influence as well as personal inclination also determined youth recruitment into the terrorist organization.