Ethnic factors will shape Afghan Taliban factionalism

Significance The trip came as a surprise, as he is a reclusive individual who usually remains in his base in the south-western Kandahar province. Haibatullah met prominent Taliban figures belonging to the ethnic Tajik and Uzbek communities, which are heavily concentrated in northern provinces. The Taliban are a mainly ethnic Pashtun group. Impacts Friction between Haibatullah and his rivals within the Taliban will intensify. Central Asian states and Russia will observe the situation in the north especially carefully, wary of instability in the region. A growing perception of discrimination against Tajiks and Uzbeks could complicate relations with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.