Afghanistan’s new rulers: Manipulating power and political pluralism between leaders and subordinates

Nahla Abdelmonem

The Taliban has appointed acting governors for the various provinces of Afghanistan, in its bid to control the country, tighten its security grip, and assert its strength on the ground.

The Taliban also wants to prevent its competitors from exploiting Afghanistan’s current conditions in advancing their agenda.

The movement is apparently aware of the state of political and social turmoil in the country, following the withdrawal of US forces and their NATO allies.

The Taliban is also preparing to ascend to the top of power after the flight of the government of Ashraf Ghani, following its abandonment by the US.

It wants to control Afghan states through its subordinate rulers as an initial step for preparing the country for its rule.

The capital, Kabul, represents the most important province in the chain of Taliban control. Therefore, it was the first in this decision, as the movement announced the appointment of Abdul Rahman Mansour and then his dismissal. It then appointed Mullah Shirin as governor of the capital. It also appointed Hamdullah Nomani as the mayor of Kabul.

The movement was also interested in appointing new ministers. It appointed Gul Agha as the minister of finance, Sadr Ibrahim as acting minister of the interior.

The movement’s spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, announced the appointment of Muhammad Idris as the governor of the Bank of Afghanistan.

This move aims to subject the country’s financial and banking management to the authority of the movement to prevent other forces from manipulating the country’s banks.

The Taliban and political pluralism

The Taliban adopts a disciplined discourse to win international consensus on its new authority.

It confirms its readiness to form a consensual government, despite the fact that Zalmay Khalilzad, the American envoy to Afghanistan and the leader of the American team for negotiations with the Taliban, confirmed in previous statements that the movement seeks to have the lion’s share in the new government.