Analysis of the ISKP video message “Followers of al-Yahud”

Geopolitical Report ISSN 2785-2598 Volume 44 Number 1
Author: Giuliano Bifolchi

Executive summary

The Al Azaim Foundation, the media wing of the Islamic State’s Khorasan Province (ISKP), recently released a video titled “Disciples of the Jews” that represents a strategic attempt to undermine the Taliban’s religious authority in Afghanistan .

This video targets several groups, including the Taliban, the Shiite community and those perceived to be close to the United States. By portraying the Taliban as un-Islamic groups and proxies for Western interests, the ISKP seeks to destabilize the current power structure in Afghanistan.

The implications of this propaganda suggest a potential escalation of violence against the Taliban and the Shiite minority, as the ISKP seeks to assert its influence and further weaken the region.

ISKP video: main topics

June 27^thIn 2024, Al Azaim Media Foundation released a video that serves several purposes in its propaganda campaign. Its aim is to incite further instability and discord by highlighting the Taliban’s perceived religious transgressions and political betrayals. Here are the main topics covered in the video:

1. Criticism of the Shiite community. The ISKP criticizes the Shia community for its worship practices and theological differences. They specifically accused Shiites of disrespecting revered figures like the Prophet Muhammad and the caliphs Abu Bakr and Umar ibn al-Khattab. The terrorist organization has accused Shiites of believing in a distorted version of the Quran, aiming to sow division between Sunni and Shiite Muslims in Afghanistan.
2. Condemnation of Taliban preservation of historical sites of other religions. The ISKP has targeted the Taliban’s efforts to preserve historical sites and monuments linked to other religions (e.g. Buddhism), deeming these actions idolatrous. The group has presented the Taliban’s preservation efforts as a significant deviation from what it considers authentic Islamic values, criticizing them for not adhering to a stricter interpretation of Islam’s teachings.
3. Protection of the Shiite community by the Taliban. The video condemns the Taliban for their alleged protection of the Shiite community. The ISKP considers this protection a sign of ideological corruption and deviation from true Islam. This criticism contrasts with several international reports showing that the Shiite community has struggled for survival under Taliban rule, highlighting a complex and controversial issue.
4. The Taliban are the new “American mercenaries in Khorasan.” The terrorist group emphasized that the Taliban act as mercenaries on behalf of the United States, supporting this claim with images of Donald Trump implying that the Taliban would fight on behalf of the United States even after its withdrawal. The group uses graphic depictions of alleged Taliban operations resulting in civilian casualties to highlight what they describe as Taliban brutality.
5. Adherence to international conditions. The video criticized the current government in Kabul for adhering to conditions set by the international community, arguing that this compromised Islamic principles. The ISKP drew attention to the Taliban’s hesitancy to support Muslims globally, exemplified by their lack of involvement in regions such as Palestine or Xinjiang. This portrayal suggests their detachment and indifference to the broader struggles of the Muslim world.
6. Criticism of international relations. The ISKP has attacked the Taliban’s international relations, particularly with countries that oppress Muslims and desecrate Islamic sites. The group calls the Taliban’s brand of Islam “American Islam,” corrupted by Western values ​​and Jewish and Christian influences. They support this narrative by accusing the Taliban of tolerating behaviors such as alcohol consumption, homosexuality, and witchcraft, which the ISKP says are abominations under true Islamic law.

Risk assessment

ISKP’s criticism of the Shiite community and the Taliban suggests an increased risk of escalation of violence in Afghanistan. The group’s emphasis on theological differences and allegedly distorted beliefs of Shiites could incite further sectarian violence, exacerbating existing tensions between Sunni and Shiite Muslims.

The Taliban’s perceived deviation from strict Islamic values, particularly in preserving historical sites and protecting the Shia community, provides ISKP with a powerful argument to justify the increase in attacks.This rhetoric could fuel sectarian conflicts, leading to more frequent and serious acts of violence against the Taliban and Shia populations, further destabilizing the region..

By positioning itself as the true defenders of Islam in the face of a “compromised” Taliban, the ISKP can appeal to disillusioned Afghans, particularly those dissatisfied with the current governance and security situation. This increase in recruitment would not only swell the ranks of the ISKP, but also amplify the threat to Taliban control and the broader stability of Afghanistan. A stronger ISKP could challenge the Taliban’s dominance, leading to a protracted conflict that would undermine the government’s efforts to maintain order and provide security..

If ISKP successfully expands its fighter base and takes control of territory in Afghanistan, the consequences could be dire. The establishment of a terrorist hub in such a strategically important location would pose a multifaceted threat..

Afghanistan’s proximity to Central Asia, Iran, Pakistan and China provides the terrorist organization with an advantageous position to influence and destabilize these regions. By creating a safe haven for terrorists in Afghanistan, the ISKP would be able to effectively orchestrate and carry out attacks beyond its borders, thereby risking an escalation of regional conflicts and a proliferation of insecurity.

The broader geopolitical implications of a strengthened ISKP in Afghanistan are significant and cannot be underestimated.

From this strategic foothold, ISKP could intensify its jihadist propaganda and rally jihadist networks around the world to its cause. This would not only perpetuate a cycle of violence in Afghanistan, but also create some instability in the Eurasian geopolitical landscape.

ISKP’s potential to organize and direct operations against various adversaries using Afghanistan’s strategic location can make it a leading player in regional geopolitics. This would complicate international efforts to combat terrorism and hamper the promotion of stability.

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Keywords: Afghanistan Al Azaim Foundation Geopolitical Report ISSN 2785-2598 Giuliano Bifolchi ISKP Islamic State Wilayat Khorasan jihadist propaganda Taliban terrorism