Recently in Afghanistan, there were two attacks in the Afghani capital of Kabul. One of the attacks was an attempted assassination of a Pakistani government official. The other attack was an attempted assassination of a prominent politician, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, the former prime minister of Afghanistan. He was in a mosque for prayer when two men dressed as women were caught as attempted suicide bombers. Pakistan and Afghan officials are condemning the attacks and Pakistan is demanding the Afghan Taliban do something about it. However, the argument then declined into Pakistan blaming the Afghani’s for sheltering Pakistani attackers, whereas the Afghan Taliban are firing back, stating that Pakistani Taliban have been freely using Afghan land.
While it’s clear to see that both parties are experiencing declining relations, I’d dare to say it’s a little alarming at how quickly the relationship between the two states is deteriorating. For example, while it’s unknown which organization organized the attempted attacks against the government officials, it’s clear that both states have tense domestic issues as well as international concerns. Something similar to Iran’s situation could occur, not specifically the protests over Morality police, but the paranoia that comes with feeling insecure inside your own and neighboring countries. Most notably, the article mentions that both states have their respective Taliban party, and both Taliban parties share ideologies. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that both states and both parties like each other. For example, the Pakistani Taliban party claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing that killed 4 police. This angered the nation and thus the Pakistani government lashed out at the Afghan government for sheltering said attackers. If both nations continue to blame each other and lash out, I wouldn’t put it past a government such as the Taliban to start a war with Pakistan.
This article relates back to Realist theory and the ideology of not being able to trust your neighbors. I wouldn’t be surprised if both governments are planning to increase their military potential for defense, just in case either country attacks first. Liberal theory doesn’t really fit this case considering the Taliban doesn’t seem like the type of government to follow international norms, nor are their international relations between the two countries that are necessary in the first place.