In Video Speech, TTP Commander Maulana Fazlullah Says Jihad 'Is Like Addiction,' Defends Polygamy, Urges Women Not to Marry 'Apostate' Pakistani Soldiers and To 'Persuade Your Husbands, Brothers and Sons Categorically To Wage Jihad'

On January 7, 2012, the Shumoukh Al-Islam online jihadi forum posted a video recording of Maulana Fazlullah, who is the Emir of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) for the Swat Valley of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. His fighters began enforcing the Islamic shari'a as well as a total ban on girls' education in Swat in early 2009, which led to international pressure on Pakistan. Following a military operation in Swat, Maulana Fazlullah has reportedly sought refuge in eastern Afghanistan.

The 30:28-minute video, titled "Maulana Fazlullah's Speech To the Women of Swat and Dir districts," is produced by Umar Media Studio of the Taliban. The backdrop for the audio of the speech is a map of Swat and Dir districts and an image of Maulana Fazlullah. The TTP commander is also known as "Mulla Radio" - "the radio cleric" - because he once operated an FM radio station through which he stressed the need for the enforcement of Islamic law.

Owing to his furious speeches on his illegal FM radio station, the cleric used to be popular among the residents of Swat, particularly among the women. The women of Swat and Dir districts were known for their generosity towards the outlawed TTP and Tehreek-e-Nifaz-e-Shariat Muhammadi (TSNM or the Movement for the Enforcement of Islamic Sharia), which was run by Maulana Fazlullah's father-in-law.

In the recording, Maulana Fazlullah speaks in the Pashtu language, stressing the need for jihad while offering words of solace and courage to the women of Swat and Dir - particularly wives and daughters of mujahideen who were forced to live miserable lives at refugee camps set up as a result of military operations, or in rented houses and with their relatives. He urges them to stand firm and show bravery despite the difficult times and to wait for the return of their men, saying that the day is not far off when the Taliban fighters will return to their homes with honor and dignity after defeating the enemies of Islam. ...