Winning the Battle of the Narratives in Afghanistan

Abstract

In order to win the information operations war against the Taliban, the U.S. policymakers first need to repackage their narrative and ensure that it is expressed using frames that Pashtuns are familiar with. Rather than pushing a secular frame filled with themes of democracy, human rights, and rule of law, the U.S. should use frames that reflect both Pashtun beliefs and moderate Islam.