Afghan Taliban chief's strategy mirrors Al-Qaeda and ISIS, warns US magazine report

Washington (Web Desk): The U.S. magazine The National Interest has drawn a stark comparison between the strategy of Afghan Taliban's supreme leader leader Sheikh Hibatullah Akhundzada and terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS.

The report highlights that the Taliban maintain links with over 20 regional and international extremist organizations.

Since taking power in 2021, Afghanistan’s network of madrasas and educational institutions has reportedly been repurposed to advance a global jihadist agenda.

The US publication report added that education under the Taliban is increasingly focused on ideological conformity and fostering radical views rather than genuine learning.

The report also notes that access to education for girls is being restricted based on strict ideological criteria.

The National Interest warns that the systematic indoctrination of young people through thousands of madrasas could create serious long-term threats for both the region and the wider world.

Analysts, citing the report, suggest that this approach poses not only a domestic challenge for Afghanistan but also a significant concern for international security.