Md Muddassir Quamar replies: The Taliban is a religious fundamentalist organisation with ideological roots in radical Islamism, jihadism and ethnic nationalism. The movement was nurtured in Islamic seminaries across Pakistan and came into prominence during the Afghan civil war following the Soviet withdrawal in 1989. The Taliban, with support from Pakistani agencies, subsequently gained control of most of Afghanistan including Kabul and declared the formation of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.
The ETIM Question: Taliban’s Moment of Truth
The coming of Taliban to power in Afghanistan could upset the geopolitical applecart in Central Asia and adjoining regions. The growing association of radical Uyghur groups like the ETIM, with IS-K and the spread of jihadist operations in Central Asia could have significant implications for regional and international powers, particularly for China and its ambitious plans for Silk Road imperialism.