The Afghan Taliban may change its strategy

One of the leaders of the Taliban movement, Mullah Qayum Zakir, has put forward a new plan that includes negotiations with the officials of Kabul and the United States.

The new Taliban strategy

Mullah Qayum Zakir is considered to be one of the supreme commanders of the organization. He issued a message in which he pointed out the need for a response to internal and external policy challenges. Among the 12 points of the document are an indication of negotiations with the West, the implementation of Sharia law, and the use of military strategy and coordination within the group.

War Faction

In addition to the supporters of the negotiations within the Taliban, there is a wing that is not ready to negotiate. From the proposed strategy, they recognize only sharia. Zakir previously considered himself to be beyond the control of the main Taliban leader Mullah Mansour. However, about a month ago, Zakir said that he personally swore allegiance to Mullah Mansour.

The fog and friction

It is likely that among the Taliban there is an attempt to reorganize and strengthen the organization, but it may take some time. Establishment of control is particularly difficult for grass-roots organisations, as well as a set of cells using the technique of "leaderless resistance" when tactical actions occur at the sole discretion of the Taliban on the ground. In addition, there are ethnic and tribal divisions within the Taliban.

The role of the United States

The country is still hosting 10,000 US troops, as well as deployed NATO bases. The Taliban are at the war with them because after the occupation of the country in 2001, they were removed from power. After 15 years of war, thousands of Afghans have been killed, many of them civilian victims killed by drone strikes conducted by the US.