Victims of ISAF in Afghanistan More Likely to Support Taliban than Their Own Forces

This study examines how civilian attitudes toward combatants shift following victimization during wartime in Afghanistan. Using a survey experiment across 204 villages in five Pashtun provinces, researchers discovered an asymmetric effect: harm by the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) led to decreased support for ISAF and increased backing for the Taliban, while Taliban-caused harm did not significantly boost anti-Taliban sentiment.

📍 Data & Methods

Conducted across 204 villages in five Pashtun provinces of Afghanistan.

Utilized a survey experiment design with endorsement techniques to indirectly assess sensitive opinions on combatants.

📊 Key Findings

Civilian attitudes toward combatants are asymmetric: harm by ISAF reduces support for ISAF and increases Taliban approval, but this asymmetry does not extend to Taliban-caused harm.

💡 Political Significance

The findings highlight how civilian perceptions differ based on the perpetrator of violence during conflict, offering insights into public opinion dynamics in war-torn regions.