Taliban post-Omar

The disclosure of the death of Mullah Omar is a big blow not only for the Taliban movement but also for the nascent peace talks held between the Afghan Taliban and the nominees of the Afghan government. Mullah Omar’s death – revealed almost two years after it actually happened – speaks volumes about the anti-talks lobby among the Taliban. Mullah Akhtar Mansoor, the new amir of the Afghan Taliban, seems to be gradually consolidating his position.
Pro-talks in his approach, he quite cleverly – if disingenuously – used Mullah Omar’s message endorsing the peace talks. Mullah Mansoor’s opponents are propping up Mullah Yakoob, the 26-year-old son of the late Mullah Omar as his rightful successor. This division bodes ill not only for the peace talks, but also for the peace and stability of the region. If the Taliban movement is to disintegrate as a result of infighting, more irrational and bloodthirsty organisations on the footing of the IS would come to fill the vacuum created by the Taliban retreat. No doubt many young Taliban field commanders are already joining the IS.
Akbar Jan Marwat
Islamabad