Heart of Kabul and it shows Taliban is either unwilling or unable to drop its dangerous friends. While the US got distracted with the war in Ukraine, Taliban hardcore Kandahar faction along with the Pakistan backed Haqqanis used the opportunity to sideline the moderate Doha faction and re imposed an ultra conservative agenda for Afghanistan. This means that India must remain on alert as Pakistan, with its influence over sections of Taliban, could reactivate Afghanistan as an anti India terror base. Therefore, India must coordinate closely with the US and other countries that share its concerns to counter the terror threat coming from Afghanistan, and carefully assess Taliban even while establishing ties with it. Eleven years after eliminating Osama bin Laden, United States has announced triumphantly that it has killed his successor Adman al Zawahiri too. Zawahiri meeting his end in Kabul is a blow for the Taliban regime attempts to gain credibility in other world capitals. That it continues to give refuge to the Al Qaeda despite its Doha commitments does bode well either. While the terror group has lost ground since the daring 9 11 attack, it remains feared for its shadowy presence and offshoots in many countries and continued attempts to recruit youth. It will be interesting to watch who the outfit now turns to for leadership. For the Biden administration, Zawahiri killing comes at a critical moment when it is domestically battling plummeting economic growth and high inflation. Internationally too, it will help US regain some credibility after the botched pullout from Afghanistan last year. Explainer: Who was al Qaida leader al Zawahiri and why did US kill him? All eyes will now be on the faction ridden Taliban establishment. It is inconceivable that US could have zeroed in on Zawahiri after two decades without taking advantage of the Taliban internal dissonance. It is clear the Taliban government cannot be trusted with its promises of not harboring terror groups that threaten the world. A Taliban that continues to go rogue ins good news for every country including India battling the scourge of religious fundamentalism. Heart of Kabul and it shows Taliban is ei Heart of Kabul and it shows Taliban is either unwilling or unable to drop its dangerous friends. While the US got distracted with the war in Ukraine, Taliban hardcore Kandahar faction along with the Pakistan backed Haqqanis used the opportunity to sideline the moderate Doha faction and re imposed an ultra conservative agenda for Afghanistan. This means that India must remain on alert as Pakistan, with its influence over sections of Taliban, could reactivate Afghanistan as an anti India terror base. Therefore, India must coordinate closely with the US and other countries that share its concerns to counter the terror threat coming from Afghanistan, and carefully assess Taliban even while establishing ties with it. Eleven years after eliminating Osama bin Laden, United States has announced triumphantly that it has killed his successor Adman al Zawahiri too. Zawahiri meeting his end in Kabul is a blow for the Taliban regime attempts to gain credibility in other world capitals. That it continues to give refuge to the Al Qaeda despite its Doha commitments does bode well either. While the terror group has lost ground since the daring 9 11 attack, it remains feared for its shadowy presence and offshoots in many countries and continued attempts to recruit youth. It will be interesting to watch who the outfit now turns to for leadership. For the Biden administration, Zawahiri killing comes at a critical moment when it is domestically battling plummeting economic growth and high inflation. Internationally too, it will help US regain some credibility after the botched pullout from Afghanistan last year. Explainer: Who was al Qaida leader al Zawahiri and why did US kill him? All eyes will now be on the faction ridden Taliban establishment. It is inconceivable that US could have zer