Taliban: Two Factions or One Reality?

Photo: afintl

Since the Taliban’s return to power on August 15, 2021, various narratives have emerged about the group. One of the most prominent is the idea of dividing the Taliban into two opposing factions:

• The Kandahar circle led by Hibatullah Akhundzada, seen as hardline and ideological

• The Haqqani network in Kabul, described by some as “pragmatic” and “realistic”

Some believe that the rise of pragmatism within parts of the Taliban could fundamentally transform the group’s behavior and policies. Such portrayals in the region have encouraged several countries to engage with the Kandahar faction, including the handover of Afghan embassies to the Taliban in Tehran and Beijing, and recognition by Moscow. But the key question remains: can the Taliban truly abandon their extremist ideology?

Pragmatism or Survival Tactic?

Evidence shows that what is labeled as Taliban “pragmatism” is less a sign of strategic change and more a tactic for survival and false legitimacy. In the Doha agreement with the United States, the Taliban pledged to cut ties with terrorist groups, but in reality:

• Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri was killed in the heart of Kabul in 2022

• Regional terrorist groups such as Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) continue to enjoy Taliban support and safe haven

These examples show that Taliban “flexibility” is mainly a tool for buying time and securing concessions, not a real shift in ideological beliefs.

Eliminating Women: A Shared Red Line

If the Taliban were truly pragmatic, they would have shown flexibility in policies concerning women. Instead, their decisions prove the opposite:

• Since September 2021, girls’ schools above sixth grade have been closed

• In December 2022, women were banned from university education

• Women’s work in government offices and many NGOs has been restricted or prohibited

These policies show that eliminating women from public life is a non-negotiable red line for the Taliban, both in Kandahar and Kabul.

A Double Face in Foreign Relations

The Taliban have tried to project a dual image on the international stage:

• The Haqqani network in Kabul meets with diplomats and speaks of cooperation against ISIS and developing trade

• In Kandahar, the Taliban leader and his circle continue to insist on absolute Emirate rule, strict enforcement of Sharia, and rejection of any concept of citizenship or freedom of expression

This duality has confused some countries, but the reality is that there is no fundamental difference between the two factions. Both rest on the same ethnic chauvinism, terrorist ties, and misogyny.

Fighting ISIS: A Propaganda Show

The Taliban have repeatedly highlighted operations against ISIS to present themselves as reliable partners in counterterrorism. Yet, deadly ISIS attacks in Kabul, Mazar-i-Sharif, and other provinces show the threat remains. At the same time, the Taliban have occasionally used the name of ISIS to eliminate internal rivals or repress the Hazara community. This shows that “fighting ISIS” is more a media show than a genuine security policy.

Conclusion

The Taliban, whether in Kabul or Kandahar, have not changed in their ideological essence. Misogyny, repression of freedoms, ethnic supremacy, and ties to transnational terrorism remain the core elements of their policy.

What is called “pragmatism” is only a deceptive mask to gain international legitimacy and to cling to power. If the international community chooses to ignore this deception, it is the people of Afghanistan—especially women—who will pay the price. Writer: Nilofar Nayebi, journalist