Afghan ethnic tensions resurface, even within Taliban

Significance

Opposition is growing in several non-Pashtun areas, spurred by heavy-handed Taliban governance, but these groups are fragmented and many of the old warlords now reside abroad. Even within the Taliban movement, there are growing tensions between Uzbek regional and Pashtun central structures.

Impacts

• Taliban leaders opposed to more inclusive government appear to be gaining ground.
• Violent suppression of opposition would wreck any chance of international recognition for Taliban.
• Ethnic and regional interests offer scope for neighbouring countries to gain leverage.