1. Historical Context of the Conflict
- The impact of Soviet intervention in Afghanistan and how it laid the groundwork for the Taliban’s formation.
- Pakistan’s role in nurturing the Taliban during the 1980s as part of a strategic alliance.
- The rise of the Taliban in 1996 and Pakistan’s recognition of their regime alongside Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
2. Shifting Alliances Post-9/11
- How the 9/11 attacks drastically changed global politics, forcing Pakistan to realign with the U.S. and distance itself from the Taliban.
- U.S.-led military operations in Afghanistan and Pakistan’s role as a key ally.
3. Emergence of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)
- The 2007 formation of TTP as a response to Pakistan’s perceived betrayal of the Taliban.
- TTP’s goals of imposing Sharia law in Pakistan and its stronghold in the tribal belt.
- Key attacks and their toll on Pakistan’s internal security.
4. The Durand Line Dispute
- A historical overview of the Durand Line, established in 1893, and its contentious role in Afghan-Pakistani relations.
- Taliban’s refusal to recognize this border and how it fuels tensions.
5. Return of the Taliban in Afghanistan (2021)
- The Taliban’s takeover after the U.S. withdrawal and Pakistan’s initial optimism.
- How Pakistan’s expectations of a favorable Taliban regime were dashed.
- Border closures and the Taliban’s support for TTP resurgence in Pakistan.
6. Pakistan’s Military Response and the Growing Rift
- The rise in TTP attacks in Pakistan, including statistics on military and civilian casualties.
- Pakistan’s aerial strikes on Taliban-aligned targets and their implications.
- The role of Pakistan’s intelligence agency, ISI, in the ongoing conflict.
7. The Taliban Government’s Current Position
- The Taliban’s focus on stabilizing Afghanistan’s economy and gaining international legitimacy.
- How this priority drives their firm stance against Pakistan in border disputes.
8. The Role of International Powers
- How countries like the U.S., China, and Russia influence or respond to the escalating conflict.
- The broader geopolitical implications of the Taliban-Pakistan tensions.
9. Future Outlook
- Possible scenarios for the Pakistan-Taliban relationship, ranging from reconciliation to prolonged conflict.
- Impacts on South Asian stability and global security dynamics.
10. Conclusion
- A reflection on how former allies turned into adversaries.
- The lessons learned from decades of regional interference and militant proxy strategies.
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