A Journey to Speak with Sirajuddin Haqqani
For three long years, there was one enigmatic and influential figure in Afghanistan whom I was determined to engage in conversation: Sirajuddin Haqqani. Throughout the U.S.-led military intervention, he earned a notorious reputation as one of the Taliban’s most formidable military tacticians, orchestrating a series of devastating attacks that involved hundreds of suicide bombers, leaving a trail of destruction in the capital city, Kabul. He forged connections with various terrorist organizations across the region while simultaneously establishing a sprawling network of illicit enterprises that resembled a mafia-like syndicate.
When the Taliban reasserted their control over Afghanistan in 2021, Mr. Haqqani emerged as a pivotal figure within the new government. Despite his newfound prominence, he remained shrouded in mystery; he had granted only a single interview to a Western journalist during this period.
My pursuit of an interview with him stretched over several years, filled with challenges and setbacks. However, earlier this year, I finally received the long-awaited opportunity to meet him. Our conversation unfolded over the course of three hours in a lavish two-story mansion located in Kabul, where we delved into his early life, his family’s clandestine interactions with American officials, and the complexities of his role within the Taliban’s hierarchy.
To supplement our discussion, I engaged with over 70 experts, diplomats, Afghan officials, Taliban soldiers, and various others. I meticulously reviewed hundreds of pages of documents to gain a deeper understanding of Mr. Haqqani’s life and the intricate political landscape of the Taliban’s government.
Key Insights from My Encounter
- The Taliban’s Internal Divisions
Since their return to power, the Taliban has made concerted efforts to project an image of cohesion and unity. However, beneath this public facade, significant rifts exist among Taliban officials, driven by their differing visions for the future of the country. These internal conflicts have created a power struggle between the Taliban’s ultraconservative emir and head of state, Sheikh Haibatullah Akhundzada, and more pragmatic figures like Mr. Haqqani, highlighting the complexities within the group’s leadership.