Biden Administration Considers Cooperation with Taliban to Counter ISIS-K Threat

In response to the escalating global threat posed by ISIS-K in Afghanistan, the Biden administration is deliberating over the prospect of enhancing collaboration with the Taliban regime in Kabul, according to sources familiar with the discussions and a former U.S. official.Following the U.S. military's withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, the ability of Western nations, including the United States, to monitor and combat ISIS-K has significantly diminished. This decline in surveillance capacity has raised concerns as ISIS-K has demonstrated increased capability to conduct deadly attacks, including recent atrocities in Moscow and Iran.

The deadly attack at Moscow’s Crocus City Hall concert venue, which claimed 130 lives and injured hundreds, marked the deadliest terrorist incident in Europe since 2004. Additionally, ISIS-K orchestrated a major assault in Iran this year, resulting in numerous casualties, while thwarted plots in Europe underscored the group's ongoing threat.

Former military personnel with expertise in the region have acknowledged the severe limitations in intelligence gathering post-withdrawal, emphasizing the urgent need for effective counter-terrorism strategies.

In light of these challenges, the Biden administration is exploring avenues to share critical intelligence on ISIS-K with the Taliban. The Taliban, while an erstwhile adversary of the United States during the two-decade-long conflict, views ISIS-K as a direct threat to its rule and has engaged in military operations against the group in eastern Afghanistan.

However, deep-rooted distrust persists between Western powers and the Taliban, stemming from their protracted conflict. The possibility of deepening cooperation with the Taliban has sparked internal debate within the U.S. government, with proponents advocating for pragmatic engagement to mitigate the ISIS-K menace.

Critics of increased cooperation caution that any collaboration with the Taliban should be contingent upon assurances of human rights protections, particularly concerning Afghan women. Despite these reservations, some members of Congress and experts argue that intelligence sharing with the Taliban remains a practical necessity to effectively combat ISIS-K.

While the U.S. has no immediate plans to reopen its embassy in Afghanistan, it maintains diplomatic channels with the Taliban through representatives in Doha. A spokesperson from the White House National Security Council affirmed the administration's commitment to countering terrorism globally, underscoring efforts to disrupt and degrade ISIS-K and similar threats.

The ongoing deliberations highlight the complexities of U.S. foreign policy in the region post-withdrawal, balancing security imperatives with diplomatic and ethical considerations. As discussions progress, international observers and stakeholders closely monitor developments, recognizing the critical importance of coordinated efforts to address the evolving terrorist landscape in Afghanistan and beyond.