Taliban 2.0's dilemma

The inability of Taliban 2.0 to inspire Afghans is an undeniable fact. Likewise, the reclusive regime is rapidly turning out to be an existential threat for peace and security. The government in Kabul is infected with deep divisions, factional rivalries and an unending tussle between the power-wielders belonging to Kandahar and Haqqani camps. This rift is now no secret, with a result that governance has come to a naught and regional harmony is thrown to the wind. The authoritarian rule coupled with hardline policies is also taking a toll. Moreover, the leadership's quest to opt for brinkmanship by burning boats with trusted neighbours, especially Pakistan, and taking a solo flight to woo New Delhi has bred contempt in the region. The same was manifested as the Afghan Taliban boycotted a peace moot in Tehran, and rightly drew ire for their myopic vision.

A glance at Afghan affairs suggests that the adhesive factor of fighting a common enemy, the US, is no more, and the takeover of Kabul by Taliban 2.0 is now testing their nationalism. The difference of opinion between Sirajuddin Haqqani and the religious-coterie in Kandahar has fragmented the country on serious tribal and ethnic lines. Similarly, the latter's tilt towards terror elements entrenched in Afghanistan is breeding extremism, and is painting the regime in a bad light. Last but not least, power greed, corruption and defiance towards international norms are other issues that have pushed Kabul into the abyss of degeneration. This ball game of polarisation in the political sphere is costing regional serenity, and an immediate victim has been geo-economics.

Taliban 2.0 have no choice but to go back to the pledges made in Doha in 2020, and form an inclusive government. Tackling terror elements is non-negotiable and Kabul is duty-bound to flush out groups that are fomenting revulsion at home and abroad. The presence of TTP, Al Qaeda, ISIK and other criminal outfits in Afghanistan is an indictment of Taliban 2.0 for being complicit. The way forward for the Taliban regime is to fight the insurgency at home, and indiscriminately flush out terrorists. The earlier they come to put the paralysed domestic puzzle in order the better.