Children join the Taliban out of fear. The Taliban frequently threatens or even harms the families of children in Afghanistan/Pakistan, and as the children observe this destruction they feel as though it would be safer to become part of the Taliban to save their families. They also join due to religious reasons. The Taliban closes schools and open Madrassas, where children are taught to recite the Quran and learn all about Islam. They are taught to die for a cause--thus putting the idea in their head that joining the Taliban will guarantee them a place in heaven.
2) How has the war in Pakistan impacted children?
During the war, the Taliban have been destroying schools and converting them into operation bases--leaving thousands of children with no education and no real choice but to join the Taliban. Children as young as 6 years old are being taught how to detonate bombs, operate guns and carry out suicide bombings. The war is corrupting children and putting them in the mindset that they have an obligation to join the Taliban.
3) Has the military offensive by Pakistani army/US military drones been effective? Give specific examples.
They have been somewhat effect in a negative way. This is because the American attacks have angered the Taliban to the extent that they have increased their resolve to fight. This poses the recurrent issue the American forces face in Afghanistan: how can you defeat someone who thinks they are going to heaven for what they're doing?
4) How and why does the Taliban continue to grow?
Thousands of male children, and probably older men, are joining the Taliban (women are not welcome). It is likely that this is due to martyrdom. Martyrdom is dying for a cause, or justifying death in a profound way. The way the see it is that fighting for your faith (fighting for Islam) is guaranteeing a spot in heaven.
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