However, this redoubt is presently fragile. The mismanaged exit of NATO forces clubbed with the mass surrender of the Afghan army has meant that billions of dollars’ worth of military equipment have fallen into the hands of the Taliban, leading to the augmentation of their already formidable military might. Additionally, a number of traditionally anti-Taliban leaders have chosen not to fight this time around.
Some such as Ismail Khan of Herat have supposedly been coerced into joining the Taliban, while others such as Field Marshal Dostum have had to escape to neighbouring countries. This means that the NRF is on a far weaker footing than its spiritual predecessor, the Northern Alliance. In a Washington Post article last week, Massoud made a stirring appeal to America and its democratic allies for “more weapons, more ammunition, and more supplies”.
It is important to note that Massoud’s resistance is not that of a singular warmonger. There have been protests against the Taliban…