The rise of extremist groups and radicalization in Afghanistan and the broader region has deep and complex roots, shaped by a confluence of historical, political, and social factors. The Soviet invasion in the 1970s and the subsequent war with the Afghan Mujahideen laid the groundwork for the emergence of militant factions, as both external powers and local warlords fostered an environment ripe for radical ideologies. The fall of the Soviet Union and the power vacuum that followed exacerbated this situation, leading to the rise of the Taliban in the 1990s, who imposed a strict interpretation of Islamic law. Over the years, regional conflicts, foreign interventions, and ongoing instability have further fueled radicalization, with extremist groups exploiting local grievances, ethnic divisions, and economic hardships. The interplay of these factors has created a fertile ground for the growth of militant ideologies and the persistence of extremist groups in Afghanistan and its neighboring regions.

On 15 Aug 2021, the Afghan Taliban took power once again in Afghanistan that welcomed by the entire Islamic radical movements worldwide. Reports indicate close collaboration between the Taliban and other extremist groups like Al-Qaeda, Central Asian Islamic groups, TTP, and others in the region.

In this podcast, we will explore the extremist and radical groups in Afghanistan and its neighboring regions with Mr. Imtiaz Ahmad Baloch who is an Islamic-based journalist and researcher specializing in security and conflict in Iran and Pakistan.