The US military’s support of the Afghan’s practice of Islam has been reported, though not necessarily widely so.<\/p>\n
The Washington Post <\/em>recently noted the Afghan military is working to be viewed as “true Muslims,”<\/a> or more Islamic than the Taliban.<\/p>\n The [Afghan] campaign represents a bold effort to counter Taliban propaganda and establish the Islamic credentials of the armed forces.<\/p>\n Fighting the battle over religion — often the key to public support in this conservative Islamic nation — is perhaps the Taliban\u2019s strongest suit. If Afghans doubt the spiritual bona fides of their army, the institution stands little chance of gaining popular support.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n The Post <\/em>article notes US officials have been “eager” to bolster the credentials of the Afghan military, and supporting this effort is one way they can do that:\u00a0 <\/p>\n U.S. officials, eager to promote Afghan forces as the country\u2019s true protectors, have attempted to aid their partners in that campaign. The Americans fund radio stations, encouraging Afghan military personnel to discuss Islamic matters on the air, as well as security issues. Western forces also promote local shuras, or consultations, where Afghan security officials can take their message to tribal elders.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Notably,\u00a0Michael Weinstein\u00a0and his allies have been quick to disparage any hint <\/em>of an association of\u00a0Christianity\u00a0with the US military — and are noticeably silent when the US military has actively promoted Islam<\/a>,\u00a0even as “a weapon<\/a>.”<\/p>\n