Taliban Research Articles

Post-9/11 Analysis of Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations (2001-2021)

In the post-9/11 era, Pakistan and Afghanistan share a closely interconnected geopolitical relationship characterized by a mutual prosperity that not only affects the well-being of their populations but also significantly influences regional and global developments. This study employs historical analysis and case studies to examine the bilateral interactions between Pakistan and Afghanistan in the political, security, and economic spheres since the events of 9/11. It finds that their relationship has long remained at a subdued level. The core thesis of this research is that border disputes, terrorism, strategic mistrust, issues with refugees and narcotics, and Indian interference are the principal barriers preventing an improvement in their bilateral ties. Strategic suspicions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have accumulated over many years. The return to power of the Afghan Taliban has once again made terrorism a major impediment in their relationship. In the short term, it remains unlikely that there will be any fundamental change in their bilateral relations.

Exploring Twitter discourse with BERTopic: topic modeling of tweets related to the major German parties during the 2021 German federal election

AbstractWe present a study in the context of computational social science that explores the topics debated in the context of the 2021 German Federal Election by using the topic modeling technique BERTopic. The corpus consists of German language tweets posted by political party accounts of the major German parties, as well as tweets by the general public mentioning the party accounts. We examined the textual content of the tweets but also included the text in images that were posted into the analysis by extracting the text using optical character recognition (OCR). Our results show that the most frequently discussed topics are party-oriented policies (including call-to-action content), climate policy and financial policy, with these topics being discussed in tweets by both, the political party accounts and tweets by accounts mentioning them. In addition, we observed that some topics were discussed consistently throughout the year, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate policy or digitization, while other topics, such as the return to power of the Taliban in Afghanistan or Israel were debated to a greater extent at limited time frames during the election year.

Iran's Neighborhood Policy: Parameters, Objectives, and Obstacles

AbstractIn April 2024, Iran launched its first‐ever military strikes on Israeli soil. While the United States and its allies see Tehran as potentially stoking the Gaza war and spreading the conflict across the region, the Islamic Republic has actually drawn its neighbors closer and enjoys friendlier relations with them today than at nearly any point in its 45‐year history. This rapprochement had been pursued informally by successive Iranian administrations since the late 1980s. However, it was formally adopted as the “good‐neighbor policy” by President Ebrahim Raisi, who served from 2021 until his death in a May 2024 helicopter crash. Raisi's successor, Masoud Pezeshkian, has both the desire to continue the policy and a favorable regional environment within which to do so. Despite serious challenges, Iran has improved engagement with longtime rivals like Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the UAE. Even cross‐border clashes with the Taliban in Afghanistan have been downplayed in favor of dialogue. Neighborly policies are impermanent. A number of structural and political obstacles could change Iran's calculations, but the approach is likely to continue for the foreseeable future.

The Joe Biden administration s decision to withdraw from Afghanistan and the dominance of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (Taliban): Plans and Strategies

Despite the fact that America had spent a lot of money since 2001 and after the collapse of the Taliban to advance the project of nation-building in Afghanistan; but this militant group was able to take over Kabul again on August 15, 2021.The action of the Taliban in Afghanistan was accepted at a time when Joe Biden had determined his new policy towards Afghanistan based on the withdrawal of America from this country; for this reason, many experts should know that the control of the Taliban is the result of the government's policy, which was followed by Trump before. However, another question and concern that was raised at this time was whether the steps should be taken in relation to the withdrawal of the United States from a pre-determined regional plan with specific goals and foundations, or whether it was just at the top to reduce America's foreign spending and on the basis of partisanship. Did the democratic government accept this incident? The authors of this research have tried to compare these two views based on the method of case study. The result of this study shows that despite the existence of two main views on foreign policy, different components and variables should be included in the strategy for Afghanistan, which is a multi-faceted approach. This multi-factor approach has been presented by the authors in the end.

Insurgents’ legitimisation strategies: a comparison between the Afghan Taliban and Pakistani Taliban

ABSTRACT This article compares the legitimacy of the Afghan and Pakistani Taliban. It analyses normative and instrumental legitimacy based on Max Weber’s traditional, legal, and charismatic sources. The research draws on published literature for exploring the Afghan Taliban and two qualitative studies undertaken in Pakistan to understand the Pakistani Taliban. It argues that the former gained both types of legitimacy, while the latter initially achieved some level but failed to maintain it. The article proposes a two-dimensional understanding of legitimacy, along its types and sources, and argues that insurgent groups lose legitimacy when they fail to perform effectively on both dimensions.

Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence Non-Formal Education System (BANFES)

The resurgence of the Taliban in Afghanistan has significantly exacerbated educational challenges for marginalized women and girls, deepening gender disparities and impeding socio-economic development. Addressing these issues, this article introduces the Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence Non-Formal Education System (BANFES), an innovative educational solution specifically designed for Afghan girls deprived of formal schooling. BANFES leverages advanced artificial intelligence technologies, including personalized data analysis, to provide customized learning experiences. Additionally, blockchain technology ensures secure record management and data integrity, facilitating a decentralized educational ecosystem where various nodes offer hybrid learning methodologies without intermediaries. This system not only adapts to individual learning speeds and styles to enhance engagement and outcomes but also employs an independent assessment mechanism to evaluate learners. Such evaluations promote transparency and maintain the quality and reputation of educational contributions within the network. The BANFES initiative also addresses implementation challenges, including local distrust and integration with existing educational structures, providing a robust model to overcome barriers to education. Furthermore, the paper explores the scalability of BANFES, proposing its application as a global strategy for non-formal education systems facing similar geopolitical and infrastructural challenges. By creating a secure, flexible, and learner-focused environment, BANFES aims to empower Afghan women and girls with essential skills for personal and professional growth, thus fostering socioeconomic advancement within their communities and setting a new standard for informal education worldwide.

Learning the lessons of Afghanistan?: the changing prospects of negotiations between JNIM and the Malian government

ABSTRACT This paper considers the negotiation strategies of the Taliban in Afghanistan and JNIM in Mali. It examines negotiation paths, whether jihadists learn from each other, and why some negotiations succeed over others. The Taliban’s strategy inspired JNIM, but while the Taliban secured the USA’s withdrawal in Afghanistan, JNIM has suffered from contextual churn in Mali. France vacated Mali, coups installed a military junta, the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara is growing, and Russia’s Wagner Group is ascending. It has been difficult to identify parties to negotiate with and unlikely that any type of accommodation will be reached soon.

RELATIONS BETWEEN AFGHANISTAN AND PAKISTAN DURING THE TALIBAN REGIME (1996-2001)

This article tries to study the Taliban movement and its relationship with Pakistan, which represents a part of the political processes taking place in international relations, Pakistan's ambitions in Afghanistan, the reasons for its dynamic changes and its results. The article helps to understand how the Taliban movement came to power and the role of Pakistan in this process.

Nexus between TTP and Afghan Taliban: Impacts on Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations

Nexus between TTP and Afghan Taliban: Impacts on Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations

Assessing the March 2024 Pakistan Airstrikes in Afghanistan

This Essay assesses Pakistan's evolving strategy towards Afghanistan, characterized by increased coercion, stringent border controls, and plans to repatriate one million documented Afghans. Additionally, it explores the potential for regional collaboration, particularly with China, emphasizing China's role in exerting diplomatic pressure on Kabul and mediating with the Afghan Taliban. This analysis highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics and strategic considerations influencing Pakistan's actions.

The Afghan Taliban's Intransigence on Counterterrorism and the Escalation of Regional Terrorism: Strategic Directions for Pakistan

The Afghan Taliban's Intransigence on Counterterrorism and the Escalation of Regional Terrorism: Strategic Directions for Pakistan

TOLIBON HARAKATI TA’SIRIDA MINTAQAVIY HARBIY-SIYOSIY JARAYONLAR TRANSFORMATSIYASI

The article provides an in-depth analysis of the reasons for the return to power in Afghanistan in 2021 of the Taliban movement and the prospects for the development of a new state political system. The relevance of the topic is explained by the following: after the Taliban movement gained control of the state, the internal situation in Afghanistan deteriorated, all existing institutions of political power were destroyed, and the exercise of their powers by state authorities was terminated. As a result, the country is facing a comprehensive crisis.

Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan’s (TTP) Threat Spectrum: Assessing Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism Policy in Post-US Withdrawal Era

The Afghan Taliban administration has precipitated a substantial shift in regional politics due to the power vacuum left in the wake of the US withdrawal. After the Taliban takeover, Afghanistan has witnessed immense economic challenges, political crises, and security challenges in Afghanistan. Consequently, the chaotic situation in Kabul generated a substantial threat to Pakistan’s security. The main purpose of this research is to investigate the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) threat spectrum for Pakistan and its Counter-Terrorism Policy in the post-US withdrawal era. This study adopted a purely qualitative method and collected primary data from the relevant experts through semi-structured interviews. Moreover, it comprehensively discusses and analyses Pakistan’s rising security concerns due to the reactivation of TTP in the post-US withdrawal period. The results expose that Pakistan faces various security challenges from Afghan soil in the post-US withdrawal. Unstable Afghanistan and TTP’s reactive mod on the Taliban conquering return some indispensable challenges for Pakistan’s security and stability. Finally, the findings of the study suggest that fostering cordial relations with the Afghan Taliban administration and proactive countering terrorism policies are crucial for Islamabad to preserve its security interests, particularly countering TTP’s threat. Afghanistan and Pakistan should adopt a collaborative approach and prioritize cooperation and mutual trust for eliminating the transborder terrorism to achieve. These practical measures will not only contribute to reducing radicalism, terrorism, and sectarianism but also achieve peace and prosperity on both sides.

KEBIJAKAN PAKISTAN TERHADAP TEHREEK-I-TALIBAN PAKISTAN SETELAH KEMENANGAN TALIBAN DI AFGHANISTAN (2021-2022)

This research aims to determine Pakistan's policy towards the Pakistan Tehreek-I-Taliban after the Taliban's victory in Afghanistan (2021-2022). The type of research used is explanatory using qualitative methods. This research uses the concept of terrorism and counterterrorism theory. According to Schmid in the Handbook of Terrorism Research in 2011. In response to the increasing number of TTP terror figures in Pakistan after the Taliban's victory over Afghanistan in 2021-2022, the Pakistani government implemented two counterterrorism policies which were divided into two approaches, namely the soft approach and the soft approach. rough approach (hard approach). The approach to counterterrorism policy can be relative, meaning that the implementation of the policy may differ from one country to another, depending on the conditions faced by that country. The research results show that Pakistan has two methods in implementing policies: a soft approach and a hard approach. Pakistan implemented a soft approach policy by mediating with the TTP and choosing the Afghan Taliban as a mediator. Meanwhile, Pakistan implemented a tough approach policy by launching cross-border air strikes into Afghanistan targeting TTP members.

Taliban insurgency in Afghanistan: Characteristics, actions and battlefield operationalization

The longest war in the history of America resulted in an Afghan Taliban victory. Despite astronomical material and capacity superiority of the American-led NATO forces vis-à-vis Afghan Taliban, the latter overcame the greater forces and captured Kabul in a lightning-fast sweep across the country. Failure of the US to realize a superior military force in achieving a political victory on the field lies in the characteristics, actions, and effective operationalization of Afghan Taliban’s warfare tactics on the battleground. Tribalism, networked structures, and innovative recruiting principles, coupled with the Afghan government(s) own inefficiencies and rampant corruption led to the demise of American power in Afghanistan.

Влияние региональных игроков на политический статус афганского движения «Талибан»

This article examines the role of the countries of the Arab region and Asia in shaping the political status of the Taliban movement (prohibited in the Russian Federation) after its return to power in Afghanistan in 2021. The reaction of regional actors to regime change in the country is described. A comparative analysis of the relationship of these states with the first (1996–2001) and second (2021 – present) Tali-ban regimes is presented. The article highlights Afghanistan's interaction with other countries in the economic, financial and humanitarian fields, as well as in the field of infrastructure projects. Common interests that contribute to intensifying partnerships between Afghanistan and regional powers are as-sessed. At the same time, risks associated with the terrorist activities of militants stationed in the coun-try have been identified. Measures of supporting and counteracting the domestic and foreign policies of the Taliban movement by other countries are analyzed.

How do perceptions, fears, and experiences of violence and conflict affect considerations of moving internally and internationally?

Abstract This article draws on cross-country survey and qualitative data for local areas within Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Somalia to explore how perceptions, fears, and experiences of violence affect how young adults consider whether or not to move, internally, within their own countries, or internationally. We shed new light on how different forms and intensities of violence and conflict, ranging from tribal violence in Northern Nigeria to the encroachment of the Taliban in Afghanistan, affect these considerations. We show that, in most cases, perceiving insecurity, fearing, or having experienced violence does not result in people considering moving. However, where significant, it is specific fears and experiences that affect considerations, rather than general perceptions of insecurity. We observe distinct patterns across the local areas, related to the duration, intensity, and nature of the conflict, underscoring the salience of sub-national-level data to better understand the interplay of conflict and mobility.

The future of Afghanistan under Taliban-led regime: challenges and likely scenarios

Since the takeover of the Afghan Taliban, there has been a lack of cohesion on the internal and external front and critical issues, including international recognition, the question of ethnicity, inclusive government, human rights, internal and external security, economy, and regional implication of the security and insecurity. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the likely challenges for the Taliban government in Afghanistan. Being the centre stage of the regional security complex and the diverse ethnic composition, Afghanistan remains an active ground for various fundamental ideologies. The Tehreek Taliban Pakistan (TTP) elements are freely roaming in Afghanistan, along with the news that the Islamic State of Khorasan (ISK) has regrouped itself in various parts of Afghanistan. The questions of terrorist groups are a major concern for the world and the neighbouring states of Afghanistan. Political legitimacy and international recognition are significant challenges for the Taliban regime. Similarly, economic problems and human rights violations are also critical challenges for the Taliban regime. Maintaining good relations with neighbouring states is crucial in ending the diplomatic isolation of the Taliban regime. All these are essential questions for the Taliban regime and the world, and this study has attempted to investigate and analyse possible solutions.

On the Issue of Evolution of Taliban Movement in Afghanistan

On the Issue of Evolution of Taliban Movement in Afghanistan

Representation of the fall of Kabul in Pakistani and Afghan media

The fall of Kabul signified the termination of the democratically elected government in Afghanistan and reinstated the Taliban as the prevailing authority in the country. The ascension of the Taliban in Afghanistan holds significant importance considering the profound suffering experienced by both Afghanistan and Pakistan. This study looks at how well-known Pakistani and Afghan television channels, specifically Geo News, PTV News and TOLO News, covered the fall of Kabul in 2021 for eight days. The study utilizes content analysis as a research methodology. The authors’ primary aim was to determine if the selected television channels offered their viewers coverage of the event from a counterterrorism perspective, besides knowing if they covered it through the lens of high-ranking officials or from the perspective of local residents. The results indicate that the three chosen television channels did not prioritize the counterterrorism perspective in their coverage. Additionally, it is noteworthy that Pakistani TV channels covered the event from the standpoint of elite officials. Conversely, TOLO News, an Afghan media outlet, provided coverage from the vantage point of local individuals. The extensive coverage of such events carries significant implications for a nation such as Pakistan, where a substantial number of individuals lost their lives and the country incurred substantial economic losses amounting to billions of dollars in its efforts to combat terrorism. Furthermore, attaining public support is consistently pursued as a crucial component of a productive counterterrorism strategy aimed at eradicating militancy, extremism and acts of violence. This research study is informed by the theory of ‘priming’.