The United States-based magazine The National Interest has described the Taliban regime as a major facilitator of extremism, warning that Afghanistan is becoming a hub for militant activity threatening neighboring countries.
According to the report, various Taliban factions are increasingly linked to terrorist attacks targeting Pakistan, Tajikistan, and China. These developments highlight a growing regional security crisis in South and Central Asia.
Rise in Taliban-Controlled Madrassas
The National Interest noted a sharp increase in the number of Taliban-run madrassas, which have grown from 13,000 to 23,000, while student enrollment has doubled from 1.5 million to 3 million. These educational institutions are reportedly being used to propagate extremist ideologies, further contributing to regional instability.
Western Engagement vs. Regional Threat
While Western nations largely view the Taliban regime as a moral issue rather than an immediate security threat, the reality in the region tells a different story. Countries like Pakistan, Tajikistan, and China are witnessing increasing cross-border attacks, often carried out by extremist groups operating from Afghan territory with Taliban tolerance or insufficient control.
The Taliban continues to receive humanitarian aid from Western countries, despite mounting evidence that Afghan soil is being used to organize attacks against regional targets.
Cross-Border Attacks Escalate
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Pakistan: The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has carried out hundreds of attacks since 2023, using Afghan territory as a rear base. In 2025, over 2,300 fatalities were recorded in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone. Pakistan responded with border closures and airstrikes on TTP infrastructure in Afghanistan.
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Tajikistan: Extremist incursions from Afghanistan have resulted in fatalities among border guards and targeted attacks on Chinese nationals in southern Tajikistan.
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China: Groups such as the Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP) pose a threat to Xinjiang, prompting Beijing to issue a joint statement with Pakistan demanding Taliban action against militants.
Taliban’s Denial and Regional Concerns
The Taliban maintains that it does not harbor groups threatening other nations, citing religious decrees against cross-border attacks. However, neighboring states argue that Taliban assurances lack effective enforcement, leaving militant networks unchecked.
The National Interest warns that if left unaddressed, this Taliban-facilitated extremism could destabilize the region, spark refugee crises, disrupt global economic interests, and potentially threaten international counterterrorism efforts.
Call for Sustained International Attention
The report emphasizes that while Western countries may currently perceive Afghanistan as a manageable moral challenge, regional instability presents a far more urgent security threat. Coordinated international pressure is essential to compel the Taliban to prevent Afghan territory from being used by extremist groups.
