Misbar’s Analysis
After nearly two decades of relentless conflict with the United States Army and the international coalition, the Taliban have reclaimed power in Afghanistan. The United States initiated a war against the Taliban following the events of September 11, 2001, which resulted in the downfall of the Taliban's first regime. Fast forward to 2021, and the Taliban have successfully established a second government.
The shift in power raises the question: which countries have stepped forward to recognize the Taliban's new rule?
Which Countries Have Recognized the Taliban?
Despite some countries establishing relationships with the Taliban since they seized control of Afghanistan, none of these countries have officially recognized the “Islamic Emirate," as the Taliban refer to their government. This means that over two years into their rule, the Taliban still lack formal international recognition.
Who Are the Taliban?
Examining the origins of the Taliban reveals it as an Islamic movement that emerged in the mid-1990s after Soviet forces withdrew from Afghanistan. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, the movement started with a small group of Afghan students and religious scholars who sought to combat corruption and crime. This small group eventually grew into a formidable force that seized control of Afghanistan.
In 2023, several videos surfaced, allegedly showing Taliban forces massing at the Iranian border following clashes. However, an investigation by Misbar determined that these videos were outdated, originating from the previous year, and the claims within them were misleading.
Meet the Man Leading the Taliban: Hibatullah Akhundzada
Who’s steering the ship of the Taliban today? It is Hibatullah Akhundzada, the enigmatic figure at the helm of this influential group. Here’s a snapshot of who he is and what he does:
Age: While his exact age remains shrouded in mystery, it’s widely estimated that Hibatullah Akhundzada is in his 60s, according to BBC reports.
Soviet Resistance Veteran: Back in the 1980s, Akhundzada was a key player in the Islamic resistance against the Soviet forces in Afghanistan. Despite his significant role in these turbulent times, he was primarily known as a respected religious leader rather than a battlefield commander.
Sharia Courts Leader: After the Soviets pulled out in the 1990s, Akhundzada took on a pivotal role as the head of Sharia courts across Afghanistan.
Current Role: Today, as the supreme leader of the Taliban, Akhundzada holds a multifaceted role that encompasses religious guidance, military strategy, and political leadership. His influence extends deeply into the core of Taliban operations and governance.
The Legacy of Mullah Mohammad Omar: The Taliban’s First Leader
Who was the man who first guided the Taliban's course? Meet Mullah Mohammad Omar Mujahid, the founding father and inaugural leader of the group. Here is a closer look at his life and impact:
Life and Death: Mullah Omar's birthdate is a bit of a mystery, but he was born near Kandahar, Afghanistan, sometime between 1950 and 1962. He passed away in Pakistan in April 2013. Despite his death occurring in 2013, the Taliban only confirmed it publicly in 2015, sparking a transition of leadership to Mullah Akhtar Mansour.
Education Background: The specifics of Mullah Omar's formal education remain vague. However, it is known that he received religious schooling at an Islamic sciences institution before the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in the late 1970s.
Role in the Soviet Wars: Mullah Omar played a significant role in the 1980s conflicts against Soviet forces. His contributions came at a personal cost—he sustained shrapnel wounds that led to the loss of sight in one eye.
Rise to Power: In 1996, the Taliban established the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, and Mullah Omar became its emir. His leadership continued until the fall of the emirate following the U.S. invasion in 2001.
Disappearance and Pursuit: After the American-led invasion of Afghanistan, Mullah Omar vanished from public view. For years, he was a fugitive, with the U.S. offering a $10 million reward for information leading to his capture or death.
Mullah Omar's tenure as the Taliban's first leader set the foundation for the group's future, and his legacy continues to influence its trajectory.
The Leadership Evolution of the Taliban
Since its founding, the Taliban has had three leaders. The first was Mullah Mohammed Omar Mujahid, who established the movement and led the first Islamic Emirate. He was succeeded by Mullah Akhtar Mansour, who was later assassinated. The current leader is Hibatullah Akhundzada, who continues to lead the Taliban to this day.
Key Taliban Figures in the Current Afghan Government
With the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan, several key figures have emerged alongside their leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada. Here’s a rundown of the prominent leaders shaping the new regime:
1. Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund: As the Prime Minister of the Taliban’s second Islamic Emirate, Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund is a founding member of the movement and chairs the Taliban's Leadership Council. His role is central in guiding the government's direction.
2. Sirajuddin Haqqani: Approximately 45 years old, Sirajuddin Haqqani is one of the FBI's most wanted individuals. He serves as the Interior Minister, overseeing internal security and law enforcement within Afghanistan.
3. Amir Khan Muttaqi: Appointed as the Foreign Minister after the Taliban's takeover in 2021, Amir Khan Muttaqi plays a crucial role in managing Afghanistan’s international relations and diplomacy.
4. Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar: A co-founder of the Taliban and Deputy Prime Minister, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar was a key signatory of the Doha Agreement that facilitated the withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan.
5. Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid: The defense minister and son of the Taliban's founder, Mullah Mohammad Omar, Yaqoob Mujahid, is in his early 30s. He is responsible for the military and defense aspects of the Taliban's governance.
6. Mullah Abdul Hakim: As the Chief Justice, Mullah Abdul Hakim oversees the judicial system and was instrumental in leading the Taliban's negotiation delegation with the United States in Doha.
7. Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi: Serving as Deputy Prime Minister alongside Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund, Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi also participated in the Doha negotiations, reflecting his significant role in both governance and diplomacy.
Taliban Numbers During Their Control of Afghanistan
At the height of their control over Afghanistan, the Taliban boasted between 70,000 and 100,000 fighters, according to BBC estimates. This marked a substantial increase from their numbers a decade earlier, which were around 30,000. Despite facing immense pressure and resistance, these fighters managed to withstand the American invasion for nearly 19 years, until the complete withdrawal of U.S. military forces from the country.
The Lengthy Legacy of America’s Longest War: The Conflict With the Taliban
The war against the Taliban stands as the longest conflict in American history, stretching nearly 19 years. This protracted engagement resulted in significant financial and human costs for the United States.
Initially, the U.S. was supported by an international coalition in its efforts in Afghanistan. However, this coalition concluded its combat missions in 2014. Over the course of the war, the coalition suffered approximately 3,500 casualties. The United States alone experienced the loss of over 2,400 soldiers, while the United Kingdom lost more than 450 troops.
The conflict, which began with the aim of dismantling the Taliban and countering terrorism, ultimately ended with the withdrawal of American troops and the rapid resurgence of Taliban control. This enduring war has left a lasting impact on both Afghanistan and the international community.
Is the American War on the Taliban One of the Deadliest Wars of the Current Century?
The American war on the Taliban in Afghanistan, while one of the most significant conflicts of the 21st century, is not the deadliest. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, it ranks fourth in terms of casualties. The deadliest conflicts of this century include the Russian-Ukrainian war, the war against Boko Haram, and the civil war in Yemen.
Read More
What Is the Oldest City in the World?
No Afghans Deported from Germany to Afghanistan Since Taliban Takeover
This Video Does Not Feature Taliban’s Military Parade to Tease Iran
