Iranian Support: Initially Iran was deadly against the Taliban for the atrocities committed by them against the 20% of Shia population of Afghanistan and actively supported USA in their operations. Once Taliban were cut to size, Iran is now actively supporting these very Taleban for its own geopolitical objectives. read more
The Taliban, in turn, would give Pakistan's ISI an unprecedented opportunity to exert its control over Afghanistan and its government. An opportunity that Pakistan's government has pursued for the last 20 years. read more
Rather, Islamabad's support of the Taliban was simply a continuation of a pattern to support Islamist rather than nationalist factions inside its neighbor. Nor was the ISI the only supporter of the Taliban within the Pakistan government. read more