Afghan Taliban's commitment to al-Qaida may be fading

Subject

Al-Qaida's future in Afghanistan.

Significance

The death of two al-Qaida leaders in Afghanistan highlights the group's continuing presence in the country and raises questions about the Taliban's promise to cut links with foreign jihadists in exchange for a deal with Washington. The Taliban's loyalty to al-Qaida survived the US invasion of 2001 and the more recent arrival of Islamic State (IS) with its exclusive claim to lead global jihad.

Impacts

• Statements from Taliban representatives suggest a willingness to sign the nearly ready agreement with Washington.
• The Afghan government will continue resisting a separate US-Taliban agreement.
• Attacks deep in Taliban territory will encourage other jihadists to ally with IS.