I brought this up in the “Real meaning of the Poem” theory and wanted to expand on this idea without taking that theory off topic.

Throughout the series we have been told about the differences in handling male channelers for each culture. In Randland-proper, male channelers are dealt with by the Aes Sedai (specifically, the Red Ajah)... in Seanchen they are basically executed... in the lands beyond the Aiel waste we learn that male channelers are wed to (and procreate with) female channelers before they are killed... in the Aiel society they are sent to the blight to battle the dark one. Basically, it boils down to each independent culture developing their own means of disposing of the men before they go mad.

Through Taim's recruiting process (and possibly through Rand's effects as a Ta'veren) we have seen a relatively large number of male channelers arriving at the black tower. This is quite contrary to the beliefs of some Aes Sedai regarding the channeling ability in the world.

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TITLE: Shadow Rising

CHAPTER: 31 - Assurances

Sheriam believes we may have spent the last three thousand years culling the ability out of humankind by gentling every man who can channel we find. The proof of it, she says, is how very few men we do find. Why, even a hundred years ago the records say there were two or three a year..."

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In spite of this claim it seems rather obvious that the channeling ability hasn't been reduced as much as the Aes Sedai would like to believe.

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TITLE: Crossroads of Twilight

CHAPTER: 30 - What the Oath Rod Can Do

"You think you can talk the Asha'man into accepting the bond?" Egwene could not keep the incredulity out of her voice. "Aside from that, who is going to do this bonding? Even if every sister who doesn't have a Warder took an Asha'man, and every Green took two or three, there aren't enough sisters. That's if you can find one who doesn't mind being bonded to a man who is going to go mad."

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Add to this the fact that there are a good number of Wise Ones with the ability to channel (and channel at least moderately well).

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TITLE: Lord of Chaos

CHAPTER: 54 - The Sending

"There are also ninety-four Wise Ones," Amys said. "They are the strongest in the One Power of those near the city." That came out reluctantly—he had the idea Aiel women did not like to admit they could channel—but her voice picked up.

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(Note that in this situation it is only the STRONGEST of the channeling wise ones that go to rescue Rand and that none of the channeling apprentices are included, meaning that the number 94 given is only a small sampling of the channeling women amongst the Aiel)

Putting all of these thoughts together, it seems quite possible that there are a good number of Aiel men that develop the ability (whether sparking or learning) to channel. Previously, we've been told (and shown) that male channelers amongst the aiel go to the blight to battle the dark one. I find it rather odd, though, that in the midst of the focus on male channelers and their amnesty in Randland-proper that Rand hasn't tried to encourage the Aiel to send male channelers there instead of sending them to their death. In fact, we apparently have no mention of this line of thinking on Rand's part. He seems to completely forget that there are men amongst the Aiel that could channel. On top of this, there is no indication of any Aiel joining the Black Tower. Also... in all of the discussions of who has deserted Rand's Aiel (either to join the Shaido or because of the Bleakness), no one has mentioned male channelers leaving to fight in the Blight.

So... here's the indisputable facts as I see them:

1. Channeling abilities exist amongst men in at least close to the same proportions as amongst the women

2. Aiel (men and women) are not excluded from the ability to channel

3. There are several hundred women who can channel amongst the aiel

4. Rand hasn't mentioned anything about male aiel channelers

5. The Black Tower apparently has no male aiel channelers

6. No recent mention has been made of male aiel channelers going to fight in the blight

*Putting facts 1, 2, and 3 together would seem to tell me that if there are several hundred women amongst the aiel that can channel then there are most likely a group of males amongst the aiel that can channel but haven't been sent to the blight yet.

*Putting together facts 4, 5, and 6 would seem to tell us that male aiel channelers are completely MIA.

Given Rand's desire for ALL men who can channel to be safe from the oppression of Aes Sedai (in Randland-proper), it seems logical that Rand would have the same desire for any male channelers amongst the Aiel. I can't see Rand standing by idly while aiel men fling themselves hopelessly amongst the dangers of the blight just because they have the ability to channel. Rand talks about male channelers as being a precious commodity too much for him to take an apathetic outlook towards the aiel in this regard.

Now that I've given you the backup for my theory... here's my theory:

Rand is gathering together Aiel male channelers (perhaps with the assistance of Logain). These male channelers will be the backbone of Logain's Black Tower Reformation Force that will secure the black tower for the dragon reborn and will evict all those who are not loyal to Rand.

I'm absolutely convinced that male aiel channelers will be involved in the upcoming plot. I'm willing to bend, though, on their specific involvement. I mention Logain and the reformation of the black tower only as one of multiple possibilities for these aielmen channelers to come into play.

Other notable possible scenarios:

* Aielmen channeling is kept secret until the last battle (Rand's “Trump Card”)

* Rand has been waiting to train/recruit aiel male channelers until after the taint was cleansed (meaning he hasn't started yet)

* The Aiel are developing the ability on their own (without the direct involvement of Rand) - note: I've considered this to be a possible meaning of the siswai'aman, although have recently gone away from that as I found out that some women gai'shain wear the red headband (TITLE: Lord of Chaos CHAPTER: 46 - Beyond the Gate - He noticed a small thing as well. As many *women* as *men* in the white robes wore the headband, and men in the drab coats and breeches, but no Maidens that he saw. Gaul had told him a little about the Aiel, but he had never mentioned the headbands.)

If you have any other scenarios where male aiel channelers could come into play, let me know. Of all the possible scenarios, Logain and the Aiel reclaiming the black tower is the one that I lean towards the most.