⭕ Peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban opened last week in Qatar. ⭕ Rightful hopes indeed, but the realities on the ground suggest a dubious future. Beside the Taliban, some 20 terrorist groups of various nationalities have been battling Afghan and coalition forces for years, and will not be part of any peace deal. ✅As much of the country remains lawless, the conditions favour the ISKP to grow, like they did in Iraq and Syria in 2013-14. Also, when the Taliban are involved in direct talks with the Kabul government, the ISKP would try to wean the hardline factions away from the insurgency. When the Taliban want to be back in Kabul, the ISKP wants to be the new Taliban.