Skip to main content

Taliban victory in Afghanistan could inspire terrorists, armed groups throughout Middle East

There are increasing reports of foreign jihadist fighters in Afghanistan.
In this picture taken on July 15, 2021, an Afghan militia fighter keeps a watch at an outpost against Taliban insurgents at Charkint district in Balkh Province.

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — Just after Maghreb prayers, tired Afghan police lugging weapons and backpacks clamber up a rocky outpost to serve as lookouts as night falls. Much of the fighting around here is done at night.

The city is the Taliban’s former stronghold and capital where al-Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden met in 1999 under the former Taliban regime (1996-2001) with Jordanian Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, whose group would later become al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI).

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.