Discuss an American fighting with the Taliban

 

John Walker

Overview: Who is John Walker? Use the CNNfyi.com article and discussion activity to have students learn more about John Walker and express their feelings associated with an American fighting with the Taliban. Challenge students to determine if he should be tried and if so, by whom.

Curriculum connections: International Relations, Current Events

Have students read the CNNfyi.com article "Friends, family shocked American was Taliban fighter," and answer the following questions:

1. Who is John Walker? Why is he being held by U.S. Special Forces in Afghanistan? How has Walker's family responded to the news that he was fighting for the Taliban in Afghanistan? How do your own reactions to this news compare with the responses provided by family and friends? How is Walker described by his parents and his peers? How does Walker describe himself? Do these descriptions affect your feelings about Walker or his actions?

2. How long ago did Walker join the Taliban? What is a "jihadi"? Explain the circumstances leading up to his joining the Taliban. Where was Walker found? What was his physical condition? Why didn't he surrender? Why is this news significant?

3. Share the quote by his mother, Marilyn Walker. "If he got involved with the Taliban, he must have been brainwashed." How would you define the term "brainwashed"? Do you think it is possible to be brainwashed? Why or why not? Do you think Walker could have been brainwashed? Would it affect your judgement of Walker's actions?

4. Share with students the following quotation from Walker's father: "I don't know of any information, any suggestion, any information indicating that he has done anything wrong,…and therefore I hope John can be debriefed by the government and come on home." Ask students: Do you think Walker did anything wrong? Based on what you currently know about the situation, do you think he should be tried? Why or why not? If so, for what offense should he be tried? By whom should he be tried-The Northern Alliance, the International Court of Justice, a U.S. military tribunal or the U.S. federal government? If not, should he face any punishment for his actions?

5. Have each student complete a T-chart on the topic of an American fighting with the Taliban. On one side, direct students to list what they know about the topic as reported by the news media and Walker's father, and on the other side have students list the questions that remain unanswered. What questions would students want to ask Walker? What questions do they think need be answered before determining if Walker will face charges-either by the United States, the Northern Alliance or the International Community? Based on hypothetical answers to these questions, students can develop a case either for or against charging Walker with a crime.