Afghanistan lies between Iran and Pakistan. As was clearly demonstrated in Chapter 6, those two countries have been V5dng for its governmental system since the Soviets departed. As the Northern Alliance was decidedly pro-Iranian, Iran now has the edge in determining that system’s particulars. Meanwhile, Al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and Hekmatyar’s HIG all contest the occupier and ostensibly the new government.
Al-Qaeda is currently in a rebuilding phase. It functions more as an umbrella over other factions, than it did previously. It has no Offensive militia, per se. Its only combat activities are defensive in nature. Its safe haven is probably now in the Kunar Region of Afghanistan or adjoining Chitral district of Pakistan. It may be receiving suicide bombers and special-operations teams from MDFs LET and SSP’s LJ.
The Taliban do have an offensive militia. It is closely allied with al-Qaeda, but supported by JUI/F and thus—potentially—a Pakistani proxy. Its safe areas are near Quetta in Baluchistan. It may also have a small expeditionary force in the Khakrez mountains north of Knndahar.
Hekmatyar’s HIG is also attack-oriented militia. It too is allied with al-Qaeda, but supported by JI and thus—potentially—an overt Pakistani proxy and covert Iranian proxy. Should an Iranian-inspired coup become necessary in Kabul, HIG could then—potentially—change sides to help out. Its safe areas are probably now between the other two—in the Waziristan regions of Pakistan.
All three of the above-mentioned safe-area regions are identical to those used by the mujahideen during the Soviet-Afghan War. Thus, Map 9 of Brigadier YousaPs Bear Trap may disclose precise positions of still-operational base camps and way stations.* (See Map 14.1.) The current location of many HUM (JUI/F), Hezb (JI), LET (MDI), and LJ (SSP) camps have already been discussed in Chapter 6. Once the two sources of information are compared with satellite intelligence, U. S. forces should have much less trouble interdicting enemy raids and resupply.
World History
