Resurgence of the Islamic State and Challenges to the Peace Deal in Afghanistan

Abstract

The Islamic State (IS) had ambitions of controlling Pakistan, Central Asia, and Afghanistan which is also known as the Khorasan region. After its success in Syria and Iraq, the IS wanted to establish its foothold in Khorasan as they anticipated support from the local militant organizations. On the contrary, the IS had to face the US airstrikes and anti-terrorist operation Zarb-e-Azb launched by Pakistan. The Taliban could be a reliable ally of IS in the region, but clashes between the two have diminished the chances of former’s success in the region. This paper gives a brief background of the current security situation in the Khorasan region. As the Afghan peace deal is reached, this paper aims to examine the role of the Afghan peace deal on the rejuvenation of the long-held aspirations of IS in the region. Once American troops leave Afghanistan, the prospects of peace will become precarious. This resurgence of terrorist activities by the IS will have implications for the peace and stability of the region.