Differing aims limit Russia's tactical Taliban ties

Subject

Russia's engagement with the Taliban.

Significance

Russia is seeking to strengthen its influence in Afghanistan as a power vacuum emerges from gradual US disengagement, and is negotiating with Pakistan and the Taliban. As well as engaging with the Kabul government, Russian officials are providing the Taliban with financial and military aid in hope the militants will contain the rise of other threats: Islamic State (IS) and Central Asian jihadists in Afghanistan.

Impacts

• Backing a militant jihadist group at war with the United States conflicts with Russia's counter-terrorism stance elsewhere.
• Russian funding simply replicates old patterns where external powers 'rent' local armed groups.
• The Russian factor may intensify strife within the Taliban, undermining unity.