Afghan Taliban warns jihadists to avoid Islamic State

[frigidmagi]

the guardian

The Taliban has issued a statement directed at fighters in Iraq and Syria warning them against extremism in a clear rebuke to the Islamic State and its caliphate.

It calls on jihadists to remain united and not to judge others without evidence in what appears to be the latest tussle between Islamist groups for supremacy in their global fight.

The Arabic message was posted on the Afghan Taliban’s website and translated by Site intelligence group.
“It is worthy for a shurah [consultation] council to be formed from the leaders of all the jihadi factions and the distinguished people among the experts and the scholars in Sham [Syria] in order to solve their conflicts,” the message said.

“Muslims also should avoid extremism in religion, and judging others without evidence, and distrusting one another. They should avoid conflict and dispute, and not think their opinions are better than others. Mercy and compassion should prevail.”

The Islamic State – previously known as the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, and an off-shoot of al-Qaeda – has seized swathes of territory in Iraq in recent weeks.

At the end of last month it declared a caliphate and called on Muslims around the world to declare their allegiance.
Its advance has created tension within the jihadist firmament and Western security analysts fear al-Qaeda may try to mount a “spectacular” to reclaim its position as the leading Islamist terror organisation.

This week a Pakistani militant group declared its allegiance to the Islamic State and its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
However, many leading jihadist ideologues have criticised the movement for its hard-line position, its slaughter of muslims and summary executions.

In Pakistan and Afghanistan, the group has been the subject of much discussion on social media forums, winning praise at a time when local extremist leaders are in hiding, dodging American drones or an army offensive in North Waziristan.

“We are happy with the great efforts of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi,” one Pakistani militant, who claimed to command 60 men, told the Reuters news agency.

“Dozens of my colleagues from here are with them. Soon Sham and Iraq will be Islamic states," said one militant in his thirties who commanded 60 men.

Man... When the Taliban is telling you to calm the fuck down...

[Josh]

Confusion to the enemy.