Local and Global Jihadist Narratives in Afghanistan
This chapter explores the relationship between local and global jihadist narratives in Afghanistan by examining the public messages of the Afghan Taliban and Al-Qaeda since 2011. It argues that the two groups have formed a closer partnership following the emergence of the Islamic State and its affiliate group the Islamic State Khorasan Province. Unlike the events of the Arab Spring, which had little impact in Afghanistan, the rise of the Islamic State and its offshoot in the region forced the Taliban and Al-Qaeda to create a robust counter-narrative which has brought the two groups closer together. This development marks a new era in the relationship between the Taliban and Al-Qaeda and has significant negative implications for the peace process in Afghanistan.