Since seizing power in Afghanistan, the Taliban has transformed from relying on partners of other militant organizations to power brokers to meticulously manage the relationships of a complex global network of jihadist organizations.
Research published in Small Wars and Insurgency reveals how the Taliban now maintains delicate balancing behaviors – providing shelter for long-term allies while claiming control over groups that may threaten their authority.
Based on interviews with 20 experts and analysis of jihad publications, the study shows that Afghanistan has become a safe haven for various terrorist organizations and has a great impact on regional security. The Taliban approach reflects both the need for pragmatic governance and the ideological bonds created by decades of common struggle.
From relying on allies to power brokers
The Taliban made a huge turn during the rebellion between NATO and Afghan government forces in August 2021. Now, these roles have been reversed – these groups require the approval of the Taliban to operate in Afghanistan.
Dr. Weeda Mehran, of the University of Exeter who led the research, explained the shift: “In fighting NATO and Afghan government forces, the Taliban relied heavily on tactical and logistical support from other violent jihadist groups. Since August 2021, the Taliban has been less dependent on other groups that are relied on to achieve these groups that now require the approval of the Talibi.
This shift reflects the Taliban’s access to national resources and its need for government authority. However, they maintain a partnership with groups that promise allegiance or share ideological commitments, creating what researchers call a well-managed ecosystem.
Economics of Jihad Cooperation
Financial relations have deepened since the Taliban acquisition, especially with Al Qaeda. These groups have built complex economic relations that go far beyond the borders of Afghanistan:
- Gold Mining Business: Al Qaeda reportedly generates tens of millions of dollars a week from mining in northern Afghanistan to share profits with the Taliban government
- Smuggling network: Previous opium routes now traffic methamphetamine, weapons, cash and gold on international borders
- Hidden revenue stream: The revenue from these businesses did not appear in the official Taliban budget, creating a parallel financial system
- Globally: Fourteen non-al-Qaeda branches benefit directly from Afghan-based mining operations
These economic partnerships have practical implications in addition to funding. If the Islamic Emirates gain international recognition, it can provide Al Qaeda with the opportunity to access Afghan diplomatic channels when the Taliban connects with the global jihad network.
Personal bonds and institutional relationships
Research shows that relationships go far beyond organizational collaboration. Personal connections – the respondents called “Andiwali” (fraternity or comrades) – build a resilient network to survive political change.
Fighters from the Jihad are marrying Afghan women, obtaining Afghan ID cards, and obtaining Afghan passports. This integration facilitates movement and entry while creating lasting personal bets in Afghanistan’s future. Mobility allows individuals to maintain membership in multiple organizations simultaneously, creating overlapping loyalties to strengthen intergroup bonds.
These relationships are formed through shared combat experiences and subsequent conflicts during the Soviet War, providing a basis for ongoing cooperation even if the interests of the organization may vary.
Competition and Conflict
Not all relationships are cooperative. The Taliban’s relationship with the Islamic State Korasan Province (ISKP) reflects destructive competition within the jihad ecosystem. Despite some ideological overlap, these groups engage in violent confrontations on territory, recruitment and legitimacy.
Competition stems from fundamental differences: while the Taliban follows Deobandi Islam, its nationalist factors, the ISKP adheres to strict Salafi-Saint-Hardiism and global ambitions. The ISKP believes that the Taliban’s negotiations with the United States are betrayals, marking it as betrayal in publications.
This kind of competition has fatal consequences. ISKP launched a devastating Kabul airport attack in August 2021, killing 13 U.S. troops and 60 Afghans. The Taliban has made a full crackdown, claiming that ISKP attacks have been reduced by 90% in 2023.
Impact of regional security
The Taliban’s shelter regulations allow cross-border attacks to destabilize neighboring countries. TTP uses Afghan safe haven to operate in Pakistan, while Central Asian groups like Jamaat Ansarullah are trying to launch an attack in Tajikistan. Even ISKP managed to operate in Iran, which has been unprecedented since 1979.
The study documented how Al Qaeda expanded its training programs and recruitment under the protection of the Taliban. The team now operates Madrassas to spread jihadist ideology while maintaining ties with Somalia and Yemen’s branches, creating a truly global network centered around Afghanistan.
Dr. Mehran emphasized the broader implication: “These resilient relationships and networks have significant security implications for the region and beyond. The provisions of the Taliban providing shelter to groups enable them to carry out deadly attacks in other countries.”
The balanced behavior continues
The Taliban approach reflects complex calculations about legitimacy, security and ideology. They seem to have to manage responsibly while maintaining relationships with groups that provide strategic advantages. This balancing act allows them to benefit from the wider jihad network without triggering direct confrontations that could undermine their rules.
Research shows that this dynamic will persist as long as the Taliban can manage competitive requirements. Groups that promise allegiance and avoid challenging Taliban authority gain tolerance or active support, while those who threaten Taliban control face restraint.
Understanding these relations becomes crucial as the international community strives to address Afghanistan’s role in global security. The Taliban victory not only provides shelter for existing groups, but also inspires jihad worldwide, which may reshape the global landscape of violent extremism in the coming years.
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