The Afghan Taliban has begun its new era of national governance. Here are three things you should know about the group.

1) The Taliban embrace introverted ideological absolutism.

The Taliban view themselves as the humble servant of God on Earth. Their name literally means “students,” in this case, “students” of medieval-era extremist teachings under the Sunni-Hanafi Islamist school. But where terrorist allies of the Taliban such as al Qaeda are centred in Salafi-Jihadist narratives, the Taliban are more complicated. They also have roots in Pashtun tribal politics, a dynamic that has given the group enduring influence in southern and eastern Afghanistan.

The Taliban’s dedication to the supposed moral purity of a bygone era is sustained both by its fervent study and application of its beliefs. This absolutism helps explain the Taliban’s capricious treatment of women and its enemies. It also explains why the Taliban were able to successfully resist NATO and the Afghan government for twenty years. Put simply, Taliban fighters believe they are on a mission of and for God.

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In turn, the Taliban believe that to grant concessions in the area of governance or human rights would be to betray their responsibility of faithful service to God. Interestingly, however, the Taliban appear to forget their Islamist identity in their dealings with China.

2) The Taliban’s only true external ally is elements of the Pakistani state.

Yes, they receive funding and support from Qatar. But the Taliban’s true friend is Pakistan, which has organized, funded, enabled, and even directed them.

The group has long been viewed by the Pakistani military and its ISI intelligence service as a useful means of enabling Islamist terrorist activity against Islamabad’s nemesis, India, and as a blocking force against Western influence. Pakistan has also enabled this patronage relationship in the belief that it is better to have the Taliban under, rather than outside of, its control. Still, Pakistan has been largely successful in avoiding costs for its support of the Taliban and terrorism.

3) The Taliban despise America

Whatever conciliatory rhetoric the Taliban now offer, their hate for America remains fervent. Contrary to claims made by both the Trump and Biden administrations, the Taliban remain a close ally of al Qaeda and other Salafi-jihadist terrorist groups, because the Taliban believes that al Qaeda is a partner to the eventual establishment of a global Islamic Caliphate.

The Taliban believe that the spilling of American blood is a necessary ingredient for America’s acquiescence to Islamic rule. Hence the Taliban views al Qaeda’s spilling of American blood as desirable. The U.S. will struggle to counter this threat over the coming years.

Examiner