Not all is well inside the Taliban

On August 21, a new public morality law was enacted in Afghanistan, imposing strict restrictions such as banning music and prohibiting women from singing or reading aloud in public. This law has drawn significant international condemnation and raised concerns about the Taliban's commitment to easing restrictions on women, contradicting earlier promises made by the group. In response to the backlash, Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada, the Taliban's supreme leader, has called for unity among the group's members to avoid internal divisions. The Taliban's leadership is marked by a struggle between the old guard, which adheres to conservative policies, and a newer faction that had previously sought to present a more moderate image to the international community. Akhundzada has consolidated power in Kandahar, sidelining more moderate voices within the government, such as Health Minister Qalandar Ebad, who was replaced by a hardline cleric. This shift reflects a broader trend of tightening control by the old guard. Internal dissent is becoming more apparent, with figures like Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani expressing concerns about the monopolization of power and the negative impact on the Taliban's reputation. Despite calls for unity, there are indications that some members are relocating their families abroad due to dissatisfaction with the current regime's policies. The lack of public response to the new law may suggest that dissenting members prioritize group unity over policy disagreements. However, the Taliban faces significant challenges, including growing discontent among the Afghan populace and ongoing international isolation, which can only be addressed through gaining recognition from the global community.