Taliban disunity infighting raises doubts about group’s ability to govern afghanistan even as ordinary afghans suffer

Taliban disunity infighting raises doubts about group’s ability to govern afghanistan even as ordinary afghans suffer

It’s clear that all is not well within Taliban ranks with reports surfacing of infighting stalling the formation of the next government in Afghanistan. Taliban co-founder Mullah Baradar was allegedly injured in clashes between his group and the Haqqani Network that prompted Pakistan ISI chief General Faiz Hameed to rush to Kabul. It is believed that the Haqqanis and some other Taliban factions are opposed to Taliban chief Haibatullah Akhundzada being declared as the supreme leader in the incoming Taliban dispensation. Actually, some have even speculated that Akhundzada may well be dead and that Taliban leaders have been using his name to command the rank and file.

All of this shows that successfully carrying out an insurgent movement against the US in Afghanistan was one thing, but actually governing Afghanistan won’t be easy for Taliban. Its myriad factions make the group susceptible to foreign manipulation. There is no doubt that the ISI has been pulling Taliban’s strings behind the scenes and its chief’s attempt to play peacemaker between the fighting factions exemplies this point. Similarly, Iran too has considerable influence over local Taliban commanders. This means that Afghanistan will continue to be a crucible for a regional Great Game even after the US exit.

However, delays to government formation in Kabul will also hurt Afghanistan. The whole country could descend into civil war, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. It will also create space for even more radical groups like ISIS-K who could use Afghanistan as a regional terror launchpad. All in all, there are chaotic times ahead for Afghanistan and its neighbours, while ordinary Afghans continue to suffer.