Afghanistan’s Threat to Global Security Under Taliban Rule

Just like in 1996, the Taliban have conquered almost all of Afghanistan and have captured the capital of Kabul. The Taliban, roughly translated as ‘seekers’ or ‘students’, ruled Afghanistan from 1996 until October of 2001 when the United States War on Terror began. The Taliban’s biggest mistake was harboring the culprits of the events of 9/11 and failing to cooperate with the United States as they sought justice. The Taliban will be well advised to not repeat the mistakes of their past to secure their future longevity and lower their global security threat to the international community.

The Taliban’s first government, The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, believed in a policy of isolationism, “The Taliban believe in non-interference in the affairs of other countries and similarly desire no outside interference in their country’s internal affairs”.[1] Meaning they have little to no outside interest in attacking, participating with, or endangering other countries. A common misconception is to identify the Taliban, ISIS, and Al-Qaeda as all similar terrorist groups. While all three have terrible track records, operate within the Middle East, and believe in some form of Islam; they could not be more different. ISIS and Al-Qaeda both have global aspirations, actively attack the West at home and abroad, and would love to see the fall of countries like the United States, England, and many others. On the other hand, the Taliban has been at war with the U.S. and its NATO allies solely because they are the occupying foreign force in their land. It is possible that we will see a cooling of relations between the two entities once all foreign troops are withdrawn, in accordance with the recent treaty signed by the Taliban and the U.S.[2]

To lower their global security threat to the international community the Taliban must make sure to not harbor terrorist groups within Afghanistan borders as they did pre-9/11. Allowing groups like ISIS or Al-Qaeda to operate in Afghanistan would allow these groups to build training camps, recruit more men, create bases to conduct attacks, allow them more mobility, and overall increase the global security threat in Afghanistan. The upcoming months will show the world whether the Taliban’s new government has the will and the capability to complete the task of stopping these terrorist groups from operating within their borders. The Taliban has been at war with both ISIS and Al-Qaeda for years fighting to control areas of Afghanistan. Plus, their new government will face harsh international sanctions if they refuse to cooperate with counter-terrorism efforts in their country, so the will to act should be present. However, whether they can govern such a vast, rugged, and untamed land is the question.

Will the Taliban learn from its past mistakes to try and remain off the radar of international community? Only time will tell, but it is the world’s hope that they do better when it comes to humanitarian efforts, women’s rights, counter-terrorism efforts, and with international relations as they get a second chance of governance.  

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[1] Matinuddin, K. (2002). The Taliban phenomenon: Afghanistan 1994-1997. Oxford University Press.

[2] “Agreement for Bringing Peace to Afghanistan between the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Which Is Not Recognized by the United States as a State and Is Known as the Taliban and the United States of America,” February 29, 2020. https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Agreement-For-Bringing-Peace-to-Afghanistan-02.29.20.pdf.