Written by: Musab Hamid
As ISIS is on the brink of complete defeat in Afghanistan, several factors have contributed to this downfall. We will now shed light on these factors in detail.
1. The Successful Struggle of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA)
One of the primary reasons for ISIS’s defeat is the successful struggle of the Islamic Emirate against them. Following the Islamic Emirate’s rise to power, ISIS suffered significant setbacks in Afghanistan, with numerous key members apprehended and others neutralized.
Operations against them are still ongoing; wherever they attempt to resurface, they encounter decisive defeat. A recent example is the apprehension of numerous ISIS members.
2. Absence of Domestic Support
Another contributing factor to ISIS’s defeat is their lack of indigenous roots in Afghanistan. They have failed to garner sympathy or backing from the local populace. Instead, they are perceived as a foreign intelligence apparatus, preying on innocent and oppressed Afghans to advance the agendas of external entities.
3. Widespread Antipathy Towards ISIS
Since their inception in Afghanistan, ISIS has perpetrated heinous atrocities and unprecedented acts of violence. They have callously targeted and harmed children, the elderly, women, as well as unarmed and impoverished civilians.
Consequently, Afghans harbor a deep-seated aversion and abhorrence towards ISIS, ensuring that they will never find a foothold in Afghanistan.
4. Lack of Religious Legitimacy
Presently, ISIS is waging war against a pure and sacred Islamic system, engaging in armed conflict against it. Consequently, their struggle has lost any religious legitimacy.
In Afghanistan, an Islamic system is established, Sharia laws are upheld, the promotion of good and prevention of evil is practiced, and efforts to combat corruption are underway.
There are numerous additional factors that have precipitated ISIS’s defeat in Afghanistan. Over the past three years, ISIS has failed to achieve any significant gains, capture territory, or garner support from any quarters.
