American Taliban: The Life and Capture of John Philip Walker Lindh

John Philip Walker Lindh, often known simply as "John Walker" in the media, is an American citizen who became infamous for his association with the Taliban. He was born in 1981 and grew up in a middle-class family in the U.S. At age 16, he converted to Sunni Islam, which marked a significant turning point in his life.

Lindh later travelled to Yemen to study Arabic and subsequently to Afghanistan, where he joined the Taliban forces against the Afghan Northern Alliance. His association with the Taliban, his training in an al-Qaeda associated camp, and his involvement in the Afghan war eventually led to his capture by U.S. forces and a 20-year sentence in federal prison.

Early Life

Born in Washington, D.C., Lindh was the middle child of three. He was named "John" after John Lennon and was baptized as a Catholic. His family moved to San Anselmo, California, when he was 10 years old.

As a child, Lindh suffered from an intestinal disorder, but his health improved when he was 14. He attended Tamiscal High School, where he studied world culture, including Sunni Islam and the Middle East.

During his adolescence, Lindh faced significant struggles within his family. His parents, who did not officially divorce until 1999, had a troubled marriage. His father often left their home to live with a male lover in San Francisco.

A hip-hop music fan, Lindh engaged in extensive discussions on Usenet newsgroups. Spike Lee's film "Malcolm X" had a deep impact on him and sparked his interest in Islam.

Conversion to Islam and Travels

At age 16, Lindh converted to Islam and began regularly attending mosques in Mill Valley. Two years later, he traveled to Yemen to study Arabic. He returned to Yemen in 2000 and then went to Afghanistan to aid the Taliban in their fight against the Afghan Northern Alliance.

Lindh received training at Al-Farouq, a training camp associated with al-Qaeda, where he attended a lecture by Osama bin Laden.

Participation in the Afghan War

At age 20, Lindh decided to travel to Afghanistan to fight for the Afghan Taliban government forces against the Northern Alliance fighters. His decision was motivated by stories of atrocities allegedly perpetrated by the Northern Alliance army against civilians.

However, after the 9/11 attacks, he remained with the Taliban military forces despite learning that the U.S. had become allied with the Northern Alliance.

Capture and Interrogation

Lindh surrendered to the Afghan Northern Alliance forces in November 2001. He was taken to the Qala-i-Jangi fortress where he and other fighters were to be questioned by CIA officers.

During the initial questioning, Lindh was not advised of his rights and his request for a lawyer was denied. Shortly after, the prison was the scene of a violent uprising, known as the Battle of Qala-i-Jangi, where Lindh was injured.

He was recaptured and transferred to Camp Rhino in December 2001, where he received basic first aid and was questioned for a week. He was later transferred to the USS Peleliu where his wound was operated on and he received further care.

Trial and Imprisonment

On February 5, 2002, Lindh was indicted by a federal grand jury on ten charges, including conspiracy to murder US citizens or nationals, providing material support and resources to terrorist organizations, supplying services to the Taliban, contributing services to Al Qaeda, and using and carrying firearms and destructive devices during crimes of violence. If convicted of these charges, Lindh could have received up to three life sentences and 90 additional years in prison.

However, Michael Chertoff, then-head of the Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, directed the prosecutors to offer Lindh a plea bargain. Lindh could plead guilty to two charges: supplying services to the Taliban and carrying an explosive during the commission of a felony.

He would have to consent to a gag order that would prevent him from making any public statements on the matter for the duration of his 20-year sentence and drop any claims that he had been mistreated or tortured by U.S. military personnel. In return, all other charges would be dropped.

Lindh accepted this offer and on July 15, 2002, he entered his plea of guilty to the two remaining charges. He admitted to providing his services as a soldier to the Taliban and carrying a rifle and two grenades knowingly and willingly. On October 4, 2002, Judge T.S. Ellis III imposed a sentence of 20 years in federal prison.

Lindh was released from federal prison in May 2019, three years before his sentence was due to end for being of good behavior.