Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Taliban’s Minister of Interior, is regarded as one of the key and controversial figures within the group. Known in the past for his militant and harsh methods, Haqqani is now attempting to shift towards diplomacy, seeking to establish relations with European countries, Russia, China, and the Gulf region. However, a recent New York Times report highlights internal divisions and challenges within the Taliban, which have affected Haqqani’s diplomatic standing and reveal internal tensions within the group.
Previously recognized as the leader of the Haqqani network, Sirajuddin Haqqani is now striving to transition from militancy to diplomacy. According to the New York Times, Haqqani is actively trying to engage in dialogue with various countries, aiming to present a new image of the Taliban. Though he has only granted one interview to a Western journalist so far, he remains a mysterious figure in Afghanistan’s political landscape.
The New York Times journalist, who had a rare three-hour meeting with Haqqani in Kabul, stated that to gain a better understanding of Haqqani’s life and views, they interviewed over seventy experts, diplomats, and Taliban members. According to the report, Haqqani, once known for his military operations, is now positioning himself as the voice of change and reform within the Taliban.
Internal Divisions within the Taliban
One of the critical points mentioned in the New York Times report is the deep divisions among senior Taliban officials. Although the group attempts to present a united front, internal rifts and disagreements over key policies, particularly regarding women’s rights and girls’ education, are evident. Sirajuddin Haqqani is one of the figures advocating for the reopening of girls’ schools and improving women’s rights. He believes that such reforms could gain international support for the Taliban.
Haqqani’s views put him in direct opposition to the hardline policies of Taliban leader Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada. According to the New York Times, many Taliban officials oppose Akhundzada’s views, but few dare to express their dissent publicly. Haqqani, leveraging his diplomatic relations outside Afghanistan, seeks international backing for internal reforms within the Taliban.
Haqqani’s Diplomacy and International Challenges
Despite Haqqani’s efforts to establish diplomatic relations with various countries, he faces significant challenges on the international stage. The United States, which still designates the Haqqani network as a terrorist group, is reluctant to engage with Haqqani. In 2012, the U.S. officially listed the Haqqani network as a terrorist organization and offered a bounty for information leading to Sirajuddin Haqqani’s capture.
The New York Times report also highlights the historical relationship between the Haqqani family and the U.S. During the Soviet-Afghan war, Jalaluddin Haqqani, Sirajuddin’s father, had close ties with the CIA and received financial and military support from the agency. However, after the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, these relations were completely severed, and the Haqqani network became one of America’s primary enemies.
Despite his diplomatic efforts, Sirajuddin Haqqani remains wanted by the United States, complicating his role in diplomatic engagements with Western countries. However, Haqqani enjoys substantial support from some regional powers, such as Russia and China, which have taken a different approach towards Afghanistan and the Taliban.
The report emphasizes that Sirajuddin Haqqani is not only a key figure in the Taliban leadership but also a voice of dissent and reform within the group. The deep internal divisions and rifts among Taliban officials have strengthened Haqqani’s position in contrast to the hardline policies of Sheikh Hibatullah Akhundzada. Nevertheless, his attempts to garner international support face significant obstacles, including opposition from the U.S.
