Inside the Complex Power Struggle within Afghanistan’s Taliban Leadership: A Look at Sirajuddin Haqqani’s Influence

Kabul, Afghanistan — For three years, Sirajuddin Haqqani remained one of most elusive yet powerful figures in Afghanistan, a key architect behind the Taliban’s military strategy, and a significant player within government since his return to power in 2021. Known for his ruthless tactics during the U.S.-led war, Haqqani has continued to wield considerable influence over Afghanistan’s domestic and international relations, even as he faces challenges from within the Taliban’s top ranks. 

In an extensive three-hour interview and conversations with over 70 experts, diplomats, Afghan officials, Taliban members, and ors, a complex portrait of Haqqani and his political role has emerged, highlighting deep divisions within the Taliban, contentious stances on women’s rights, and a long history of backchannel discussions with the United States. 

Divisions Below Surface 

Since the Taliban assumed control of Afghanistan, y has strived to maintain an image of internal unity. However, private tensions reveal an ideological rift, particularly between the Taliban’s ultraconservative leader, Sheikh Haibatullah Akhundzada, and more pragmatic figures like Haqqani. Sheikh Haibatullah’s stringent interpretation of Sharia law has fostered resistance, even among Taliban officials who publicly defer to him due to a core principle of loyalty to the supreme leader. 

In private, however, Haqqani has emerged as one of the few voices challenging Sheikh Haibatullah’s hard-line approach. With his allies largely subdued, Haqqani has quietly sought support outside Afghanistan, establishing diplomatic connections with nations in Europe, the Persian Gulf, and even Russia and China. While the United States remains cautious, designating Haqqani as a wanted terrorist, he continues to leverage his position within Afghanistan’s leadership. 

Women’s Rights as a Point of Contention 

erosion of women’s rights under Sheikh Haibatullah has severely affected the Taliban’s international standing. In 2022, the Taliban leader overturned promises made by officials to allow girls to attend high school, introducing severe restrictions on women and girls that human rights organizations label as “gender apartheid.” 

Behind closed doors, Haqqani and his allies have argued for a more moderate approach, pushing for women’s access to education beyond the sixth grade and advocating for women to resume work in government roles. For Haqqani, this stance is not purely ideological but rather a strategic move aimed at securing foreign support, particularly from Western nations, while appealing to local leaders in urban areas who remain cautious of the Taliban’s return. 

Backchannel Communications with the United States 

Haqqani family’s relationship with the United States traces back to the 1980s when Sirajuddin’s far, Jalaluddin Haqqani, forged connections with the CIA to resist Soviet invasion. Despite the early ties, reconciliation efforts in the aftermath of the U.S. invasion were repeatedly rebuffed, leading to intense years of conflict. 

Around 2010, however,  Haqqanis initiated covert exchanges with American officials, and in 2011, Sirajuddin’s uncle, Ibrahim Omari, met with U.S. officials in Dubai. A later, undisclosed meeting around 2015 saw Omari representing the family in a European city, seeking to explore a peaceful resolution to the war. Speaking with American representatives in an upscale hotel, Omari inquired why, despite major achievements — including toppling the Taliban, eliminating Osama bin Laden, and establishing a democratic Afghan government — the U.S. remained in conflict. To this, a State Department official admitted that the U.S. had no clear answer, and fighting continued for years after. 

Future of Haqqani’s Influence in Afghanistan 

Haqqani’s role reflects shifting dynamics within Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government and the continuing impact of ideological divisions on policy decisions. As Sheikh Haibatullah enforces his strict governance model, Haqqani’s search for international allies and his push for pragmatic reforms signify a potential path to moderation, though he continues to operate within limitations imposed by the Taliban’s hierarchy. 

The international community is left to grapple with the emerging complexities as Haqqani’s maneuvers signal a new phase of Afghanistan’s evolving political landscape, one that may redefine the Taliban’s stance on key issues. For Haqqani, the question remains whether his efforts will yield substantial changes or remain subdued under the current Taliban leadership.