It was a piece of audio obtained by the BBC that revealed what worries the Taliban's leader most: an internal threat rather than an external one. As the Taliban's supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, warned of insiders in the government at odds with each other, rumors of division at the top level gained traction.
Leaked clips from his speeches, delivered in January 2025, hinted at internal disagreements that could ultimately lead to the collapse of the Islamic Emirate. Meanwhile, the Taliban's ministers in Kabul began to question Akhundzada's directions, culminating in a surprising decision to restore internet access after his abrupt shutdown order.
This significant act of defiance underscored a growing rift within Taliban ranks: one faction loyal to Akhundzada, pushing for a strict interpretation of Islam, versus another group advocating for some engagement with the outside world, including advancements in women's education and economic collaboration. This episode unfolded as both groups vie for influence in a regime long characterized by absolute loyalty and order.
With Akhundzada increasingly consolidating his authority from Kandahar and limiting communication with his ministers in Kabul, this clash symbolizes a pivotal moment for the Taliban as it navigates competing ideologies and international pressures to reform.
