The Two Talibans: A Shared Brutality Across the Afghan-Pakistani Border.

The rise of the Afghan Taliban in August 2021 sent shivers down the spines of many. Images of the group's oppressive rule during the 1990s flooded news cycles, sparking fears of a return to a brutal past. However, another Taliban group, the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), has long been a source of terror on the other side of the Durand Line, the border separating Afghanistan and Pakistan. Examining their ideologies and methods reveals a disturbing truth: the Afghan Taliban and the TTP are not merely linked by name but by a deeply ingrained culture of violence.

Shared Ideology, Brutal Tactics

Both groups are rooted in a strict interpretation of Islam, aiming to establish emirates based on their vision. They utilize similar tactics, including suicide bombings, targeted assassinations, and the forceful suppression of dissent. The TTP, formed in 2007, initially received support from elements within the Afghan Taliban during their insurgency against the U.S.-backed government in Kabul. This history of cooperation fosters a dangerous closeness.

A Look at Their Brutal Acts

The Afghan Taliban's reign in the 1990s was marked by the suppression of women's rights, public executions, and a ban on most forms of education and entertainment. While they have promised a more moderate rule this time around, recent crackdowns on dissent and the erosion of women's freedoms raise serious concerns.

The TTP's brutality is undeniable. They have been responsible for countless civilian deaths in Pakistan, targeting everything from schools and mosques to military installations. Their violence aims to destabilize the Pakistani government and impose their extremist ideology.

The Looming Threat

The Taliban takeover in Afghanistan has emboldened the TTP. They see it as a victory for their cause and are likely to intensify attacks in Pakistan. This creates a dangerous situation, with the potential for a spillover of violence across the border.

A Call for Action

The international community must not turn a blind eye to the resurgent threat posed by both the Afghan Taliban and the TTP. Efforts to promote peace and stability in Afghanistan must be coupled with a firm stance against terrorism emanating from the region. Only through a comprehensive approach can the safety of civilians in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and beyond be ensured.

The relationship between the US, Pakistan, the Taliban, and al-Qaeda is complex and has evolved over time. Here's a breakdown:

Soviet Invasion and the Rise of Mujahideen:

• In the 1980s, the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan.
• The US, fearing Soviet expansion, backed Afghan rebel groups called the Mujahideen.
• Pakistan, with US support, provided training and weapons to the Mujahideen through their intelligence agency, the ISI.
• Osama bin Laden, a young Saudi Islamist, came to Afghanistan to join the fight.

Aftermath and the Rise of the Taliban:

• After the Soviet withdrawal in 1989, Afghanistan descended into civil war.
• Pakistan, fearing instability on its border, supported a particular Mujahideen faction, the Taliban, which emerged in the mid-1990s.
• The Taliban promised stability and were seen as a bulwark against other warlords.

The Issue:

• While the US had initially supported the fight against the Soviets, their interests diverged from Pakistan's after the Soviet withdrawal.
• The US largely disengaged from Afghanistan, leaving Pakistan to play a more prominent role in shaping the Afghan political landscape.
• Pakistan's support for the Taliban created a safe haven for al-Qaeda, which bin Laden had joined.

So, did Pakistan create the Taliban and al-Qaeda?

• Not directly. The Taliban emerged from the Mujahideen groups that fought the Soviets.
• However, Pakistan's support for the Taliban in the 1990s provided a power base for the group and indirectly allowed al-Qaeda to operate freely in Afghanistan.

Additional Points:

• The US-Pakistan relationship became strained after 9/11 due to Pakistan's links to the Taliban.
• Pakistan has since cooperated with the US in counter-terrorism efforts, but the relationship remains complex.

The escape of Ehsanullah Ehsan, the former spokesperson for the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), in 2020 remains shrouded in mystery. There's no clear consensus on whether the Pakistani Army played a deliberate role in his release. Here's a breakdown of the situation:

• Official Narrative: Pakistani officials claim Ehsan escaped during an anti-terror operation. They also stated that he provided valuable information before his escape, leading to the arrest of other militants.
• Ehsan's Account: Ehsan, through audio messages, claimed he surrendered to Pakistani authorities under an agreement that guaranteed his safety. He alleges Pakistani institutions violated the agreement, leading him to escape with his family.

Unresolved Points:

• The Agreement: Ehsan presented a document claiming it was his surrender agreement, but its authenticity hasn't been verified.
• Escape Details: Ehsan's escape narrative, involving an unguarded back gate, raised questions about the security measures in place.
• Military's Silence: The Pakistani military hasn't publicly addressed the alleged agreement or the specifics of Ehsan's escape.

Possible Scenarios:

• Negligence: Lax security protocols could have enabled Ehsan's escape.
• Deliberate Release: It's impossible to rule out a scenario where the Pakistani military might have chosen to release Ehsan, perhaps hoping he would provide further intelligence or fearing the consequences of keeping him detained.

Current Situation:

• Ehsan's whereabouts remain unknown.
• The Pakistani government continues to assert that it will bring him to justice.

In Conclusion:

The details surrounding Ehsanullah Ehsan's escape remain unclear. While the Pakistani Army maintains its official story, Ehsan's claims and the lack of transparency leave room for speculation of giving him an NRO.