What did the Taliban gain?
By Rustam Rushangar, political analyst, exclusively for Sangar
Support for Fateh has always been conditional and remains so. As soon as news emerged of his return to Faizabad, some of his supporters immediately revised their position. Another group, which had opposed supporting him from the outset, declared with satisfaction that their assessment had proven correct.
I would like to emphasize that if Fateh—or any other Taliban commander—takes a stand against the movement, he deserves support. Such support is based on opposition and hostility toward the Taliban and represents one of the tactics of political and military struggle. In every conflict, opposing sides attempt to encourage individuals within the enemy's ranks to rebel against their own organization or support dissatisfied members who rise against it. In such situations, the personal character of the rebel is of secondary importance; what truly matters is the act of rebellion and defiance itself.
Viewed from the Taliban's perspective, Fateh has so far created serious problems for the movement. According to the Taliban's own logic and internal rules, a person who has caused such damage is not someone who deserves forgiveness. His return to Nusai and his conciliatory statements should most likely be understood as part of a reconciliation process. During such negotiations, both sides usually make statements that are diplomatic and intended to justify their positions. These are attempts to conceal existing disagreements rather than eliminate them.
There is little doubt that the Pashtun leadership of the Taliban is deeply angered by the situation, a fact reflected in the disparaging remarks made by the Taliban governor of Badakhshan. Nevertheless, they appear to have decided not to take immediate action against Fateh and instead wait for a more favorable opportunity. Other Badakhshan Taliban figures, including Fasihuddin, likely played a role in this decision, while the Taliban leadership temporarily accepted mediation by Badakhshan Taliban representatives to avoid provoking dissatisfaction within their own ranks. This, however, should not be interpreted as permanent forgiveness or as abandoning plans to neutralize the potential threat posed by growing opposition in Badakhshan. It remains entirely possible that Fateh will be eliminated when circumstances become more favorable—but no longer as a commander openly rebelling against the movement.
Nevertheless, I continue to believe that Fateh is capable of preserving his significance, adopting a more effective strategy, continuing to create challenges for the Taliban, and strengthening both his standing and his credibility among the population as well as among the movement's opponents.
However, support for Fateh remains conditional under all circumstances. It is contingent upon his willingness to reconsider his views and conduct, as well as his ability to continue creating genuine challenges for the Taliban. At this stage, any definitive judgment about him would be premature, whether we choose to praise him or condemn him. If he possesses the wisdom and political foresight to keep the Taliban occupied in Badakhshan through the dynamics of war and peace, that alone would constitute a significant achievement.
To the anti-Taliban forces, I repeat what I have said before: support Fateh. Let him know that if he truly stands firm against the Taliban, he will not be left alone or without support. If such reassurance is not provided, it will reflect the weakness of the anti-Taliban forces themselves. That weakness cannot be justified simply by resorting to insults and verbal attacks against Fateh.
Nevertheless, I continue to believe that Fateh is capable of preserving his significance, adopting a more effective strategy, continuing to create challenges for the Taliban, and strengthening both his standing and his credibility among the population as well as among the movement's opponents.
However, support for Fateh remains conditional under all circumstances. It is contingent upon his willingness to reconsider his views and conduct, as well as his ability to continue creating genuine challenges for the Taliban. At this stage, any definitive judgment about him would be premature, whether we choose to praise him or condemn him. If he possesses the wisdom and political foresight to keep the Taliban occupied in Badakhshan through the dynamics of war and peace, that alone would constitute a significant achievement.
To the anti-Taliban forces, I repeat what I have said before: support Fateh. Let him know that if he truly stands firm against the Taliban, he will not be left alone or without support. If such reassurance is not provided, it will reflect the weakness of the anti-Taliban forces themselves. That weakness cannot be justified simply by resorting to insults and verbal attacks against Fateh.
