Book Review: ‘Inside the Terrifying World of Jaish-e-Mohammed’ by Abhinav Pandya

Book Title: Inside the Terrifying World of Jaish-e-Mohammed
Author: Abhinav Pandya
Publisher: HarperCollins India
Number of Pages: 492
ISBN: 978-9365694802
Date Published: Oct. 5, 2024
Price: INR 451

Book Review

Abhinav Pandya’s “Inside the Terrifying World of Jaish-e-Mohammed” provides an in-depth analysis of the Pakistan-based terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), revealing its organizational structure, ideological foundations, and impact throughout South Asia. JeM, known for its involvement in multiple high-profile strikes, notably in the Jammu and Kashmir region, has emerged as a major anchor in the turbulent Indo-Pak security situation. Pandya’s research is based on extensive fieldwork and interviews with intelligence professionals, allowing him to provide a detailed narrative about the group’s widespread impact.

The book starts out by outlining the history of JeM and its leadership under Masood Azhar, showing how its pan-Islamist goals have influenced its operations. Author Pandya successfully draws attention to JeM’s significant contribution to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan by looking at key events like the 2001 Indian Parliament attack and the 2019 Pulwama attack. Given this background and current geopolitical events, such as the Taliban’s comeback in Afghanistan, which has allegedly improved JeM’s operational capabilities, Author Pandya’s thesis is particularly relevant.

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A key strength of Pandya’s work lies in his exploration of JeM’s operational strategies. He delves into the group’s recruitment tactics, funding sources, and its notorious use of fidayeen (suicide) operations. Furthermore, he sheds light on the radicalization processes that fuel JeM’s growth, investigating how socio-political dynamics and regional conflicts contribute to its recruitment of individuals. Through this lens, Pandya provides a nuanced understanding of the motivations behind joining the group, revealing the complex interplay of grievances and religious fervor.

This book, “Inside the Terrifying World of Jaish-e-Mohammed” stands as an indispensable resource for those interested in South Asian security issues, terrorism, and counter-terrorism strategies. With a meticulous and balanced approach, Pandya offers valuable insights into the intricacies of Jaish-e-Mohammed’s operations and the broader security dilemmas it poses in the region. This book is particularly relevant for policymakers, scholars, and anyone seeking to grasp the realities surrounding one of South Asia’s most pressing security threats.

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