Skip to content

 Menu
Subscribe


o
o
o
o
o
o
o

o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o

o
o
o
 o
o
o
o


LeadersAug 28th 2021 edition
Following the Taliban
After Afghanistan, where next for global jihad?
The biggest danger is in poor, unstable states where insurgents already control
territory
Aug 28th 2021





In yemen they set off fireworks; in Somalia they handed out sweets; in Syria they praised the
Taliban for providing a “living example” of how to “bring down a criminal regime” through
jihad. Around the world, jihadists were elated by the fall of Kabul. Through willpower, patience
and cunning, a low-budget band of holy warriors has vanquished America and taken charge of a
medium-size country. To Muslims who yearn to expel infidels and overthrow secular states, it
was evidence that God approves. The ripple effects could be felt far and wide.
In the next few days President Joe Biden will have to sort out the mess he has created at Kabul
airport, where throngs are clamouring to flee. It is a dangerous moment for his presidency. In the
longer term the world must deal with the boost to jihadism from America’s humiliation. The
chief risk is not that terrorists will use Afghanistan as a base from which to strike the West, as
they did on September 11th 2001. Such attacks are harder now, since rich countries have better
security. Besides, the Taliban are unlikely to tolerate big training camps for global-minded
terrorists, as they crave recognition and aid.
CHECKS AND BALANCE

Exclusive insight and reading recommendations from our correspondents in America

Delivered to your inbox every week
Sign up
More from Leaders
Getting to zero
The first big energy shock of the green era
Cheques and imbalance
Is the world economy entering a wage-price spiral?
The coronavirus
Millions of lives depend on how the pandemic ends

 Subscribe
 Group subscriptions
 Reuse our content
 Help and contact us
Keep updated








Published since September 1843 to take part in “a severe contest between intelligence, which
presses forward, and an unworthy, timid ignorance obstructing our progress.”
The Economist
 About
 Advertise
 Press centre
 Store
The Economist Group
 The Economist Group
 Economist Intelligence
 Economist Impact
 Economist Events
 Working Here
 Which MBA?
 GMAT Tutor
 GRE Tutor
 Executive Jobs
 Executive Education Navigator
 Executive Education: The New Global Order
 Executive Education: Business Writing
 Terms of Use
 Privacy
 Cookie Policy
 Manage Cookies
 Accessibility
 Modern Slavery Statement
 Do Not Sell My Personal Information

Copyright © The Economist Newspaper Limited 2021. All rights reserved.