How Pakistan and the Taliban, former allies, slid into ‘open war’

The relationship between Pakistan and the Taliban, once characterized by strategic alliance, has deteriorated into open conflict as regional dynamics shift dramatically. Following the Taliban's resurgence in Afghanistan, Pakistan anticipated leveraging this change to enhance its influence in South-Central Asia, a concept often referred to as 'strategic depth.' However, the Taliban's actions have not aligned with Pakistan's expectations. Instead of acting as a cooperative ally, the Taliban's leadership has increasingly pursued an independent agenda, leading to tensions between the two entities. As the Taliban consolidates power, its decisions and policies have begun to undermine Pakistan's strategic interests, prompting an escalation in hostilities. This transformation reflects broader geopolitical shifts in the region, where former allies are now at odds, complicating the security landscape and raising concerns about future stability in Afghanistan and its neighboring countries. The evolving situation calls for a reevaluation of strategies for both Pakistan and the Taliban, as they navigate this fraught landscape marked by mistrust and competing ambitions.