Political Leaders

Mullah Abdul Latif Mansoor is a U.N.-sanctioned Taliban senior leader who served as the minister of agriculture under the first Taliban regime in the 1990s.“ABDUL LATIF MANSUR,” United Nations, January 31, 2001, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1988/materials/summaries/individual/abdul-latif-mansur. Following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, Mansoor was named minister for water and power of the Taliban government.“Taliban forms 33-member cabinet in Afghanistan: Full list,” Hindustan Times, September 8, 2021, https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/taliban-forms-33-member-cabinet-in-afghanistan-full-list-101631066722518.html.

A member of the Sahak tribe, Mansoor is a veteran of the Taliban movement. Mansoor served as the minister of Agriculture under the first Taliban regime from the 1990s until 2001.“ABDUL LATIF MANSUR,” United Nations, January 31, 2001, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1988/materials/summaries/individual/abdul-latif-mansur. Given Mansoor’s role within the Taliban, the United Nations Security Council sanctioned Mansoor on January 31, 2001, and the U.K. Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation sanctioned Mansoor on April 2 of that year.“ABDUL LATIF MANSUR,” United Nations, January 31, 2001, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1988/materials/summaries/individual/abdul-latif-mansur; “Consolidated List of Financial Sanctions Targets in the UK,” Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation HM Treasury, February 1, 2021, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/957420/afghanistan.pdf.

Following the fall of the Taliban in 2001, in 2007, Mansoor served as a member of the “Miram Shah Shura”—a shura council operated by the Taliban’s more radical Haqqani network in eastern Afghanistan—in May 2007. In 2009, Mansoor was both as a member of the Taliban Supreme Council and Head of the Taliban’s Political Commission. In late 2009, Mansoor was allegedly in charge of the Nangarhar Province. By May 2010, Mansoor was a senior Taliban commander in eastern Afghanistan.“ABDUL LATIF MANSUR,” United Nations, January 31, 2001, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1988/materials/summaries/individual/abdul-latif-mansur; “Security Council 1988 Committee Amends Eleven Entries on Its Sanctions List,” United Nations, February 14, 2012, https://www.un.org/press/en/2012/sc10542.doc.htm.

On August 6, 2021, the Taliban began an offensive against major Afghan cities with the seizure of Zaranj, capital of Nimruz province.Susannah George and Ezzatullah Mehrdad, “Taliban fighters overrun an Afghan provincial capital for the first time since withdrawal of foreign forces,” Washington Post, August 6, 2021, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/08/06/afghanistan-taliban-nimruz/. By August 13, the Taliban controlled 17 of Afghanistan’s 34 provincial capitals and more than two-thirds of the country.Rahim Faiez, and Joseph Krauss, “Taliban sweep across Afghanistan’s south; take 4 more cities,” Associated Press, August 13, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-taliban-c6c8d4a41c554f36031a8131538d1402. On August 15, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fled Afghanistan and thousands of Afghans poured into Kabul’s airport as Taliban fighters entered the city. By August 16, the Taliban laid siege to the presidential palace and took complete control of Kabul, after which the Taliban declared the war in Afghanistan had ended.“Taliban declares ‘war is over’ as president and diplomats flee Kabul,” Reuters, August 15, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/talibans-rapid-advance-across-afghanistan-2021-08-10/. The Taliban has claimed that it would take on a more “moderate” approach in their ruling of the country, and that women are allowed to have roles in public life in observance of “Islamic law.”“Factbox: Taliban seek to present a moderate face as they take control in Afghanistan,” Reuters, August 15, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/taliban-seek-present-moderate-face-they-take-control-afghanistan-2021-08-15/.

On September 7, 2021, the Taliban announced the official appointments within their caretaker government. Mansoor was appointed minister for water and power.“Taliban forms 33-member cabinet in Afghanistan: Full list,” Hindustan Times, September 8, 2021, https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/taliban-forms-33-member-cabinet-in-afghanistan-full-list-101631066722518.html. The government is exclusively male, with many positions filled with veterans from their hardline movement in the early nineties.Matthieu Aikins and Jim Huylebroek, “Taliban Appoint Stalwarts to Top Government Posts,” New York Times, September 7, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/07/world/asia/taliban-women-protest-kabul-afghanistan.html; Kathy Gannon, “Taliban form all-male Afghan government of old guard members,” Associated Press, September 8, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-pakistan-afghanistan-arrests-islamabad-d50b1b490d27d32eb20cc11b77c12c87.

Extremist Type
Political Leader
Types of Leaders
Extremist Entity Name
Taliban
Type[s] of Organization
Insurgent, non-state actor, regional, terrorist, transnational, violent
Type[s] of Ideology
Deobandi, Islamist, jihadist, Pashtun, Salafi, Sunni, Wahhabi
Position
Minister for water and power of the Taliban government
Also Known As
Date of Birth
1968
Place of Birth
Zurmat District, Paktia Province, Afghanistan or Garda Saray District, Paktia Province, Afghanistan
Place of Residence
Kabul, Afghanistan
Citizenship
Afghan
History Timeline
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/18FLRSgw4VVBHBptFJ-q6d-N7BUku9FyKeHAd7-xqMD0/pubhtml

United Nations

United Kingdom

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Abdul Baqi Haqqani is a U.N.-sanctioned Taliban senior leader who held multiple positions under the first Taliban regime in the 1990s.“Security Council 1988 Committee Amends 105 Entries on Its Sanctions List,” United Nations, November 29, 2011, https://www.un.org/press/en/2011/sc10465.doc.htm. Following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, Haqqani was named minister of higher education of the Taliban government.“Taliban forms 33-member cabinet in Afghanistan: Full list,” Hindustan Times, September 8, 2021, https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/taliban-forms-33-member-cabinet-in-afghanistan-full-list-101631066722518.html.

Haqqani is a veteran of the Taliban movement, initially serving as the governor of Khost and Paktika provinces under the first Taliban regime in the 1990s. Following that role, Haqqani was appointed vice-minister of information and culture until the Taliban’s fall from power in 2001.“ABDUL BAQI BASIR AWAL SHAH,” United Nations Security Council, February 23, 2001, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1988/materials/summaries/individual/abdul-baqi-basir-awal-shah. Given Haqqani’s role within the Taliban, the United Nations Security Council sanctioned Haqqani on February 23, 2001, and the U.K. Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation sanctioned Haqqani on April 2 of that year.“Security Council 1988 Committee Amends 17 Entries on Its Sanctions List,” United Nations, August 13, 2012, https://www.un.org/press/en/2012/sc10742.doc.htm; “CONSOLIDATED LIST OF FINANCIAL SANCTIONS TARGETS IN THE UK,” Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation HM Treasury, February 1, 2021, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/957420/afghanistan.pdf.

In 2003, Haqqani was involved in anti-government military activities throughout the districts of Shinwar, Achin, Naziyan, and Dur Baba in Nangarhar Province, eventually being responsible for the entire province in 2008. By 2009, Haqqani organized militant activities throughout the eastern region of Afghanistan, with particular focus on Nangarhar and Jalalabad City.“ABDUL BAQI BASIR AWAL SHAH,” United Nations Security Council, February 23, 2001, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1988/materials/summaries/individual/abdul-baqi-basir-awal-shah.

On August 6, 2021, the Taliban began an offensive against major Afghan cities with the seizure of Zaranj, capital of Nimruz province.Susannah George and Ezzatullah Mehrdad, “Taliban fighters overrun an Afghan provincial capital for the first time since withdrawal of foreign forces,” Washington Post, August 6, 2021, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/08/06/afghanistan-taliban-nimruz/. By August 13, the Taliban controlled 17 of Afghanistan’s 34 provincial capitals and more than two-thirds of the country.Rahim Faiez, and Joseph Krauss, “Taliban sweep across Afghanistan’s south; take 4 more cities,” Associated Press, August 13, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-taliban-c6c8d4a41c554f36031a8131538d1402. On August 15, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fled Afghanistan and thousands of Afghans poured into Kabul’s airport as Taliban fighters entered the city. By August 16, the Taliban laid siege to the presidential palace and took complete control of Kabul, after which the Taliban declared the war in Afghanistan had ended.“Taliban declares ‘war is over’ as president and diplomats flee Kabul,” Reuters, August 15, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/talibans-rapid-advance-across-afghanistan-2021-08-10/. The Taliban has claimed that it would take on a more “moderate” approach in their ruling of the country, and that women are allowed to have roles in public life in observance of “Islamic law.”“Factbox: Taliban seek to present a moderate face as they take control in Afghanistan,” Reuters, August 15, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/taliban-seek-present-moderate-face-they-take-control-afghanistan-2021-08-15/.

Following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, Haqqani appeared at a news conference on August 31, 2021, where he stated that women would be allowed to study at universities under Taliban rule, but classrooms would be segregated by gender and Islamic dress would be mandatory. Haqqani stated, “the people of Afghanistan will continue their higher education in the light of Sharia law in safety without being in a mixed male and female environment.”Emily Crane, “Afghan women can study at university but not with men: Taliban,” New York Post, August 31, 2021, https://nypost.com/2021/08/31/afghan-women-can-study-at-university-but-not-with-men-taliban/. Haqqani later reiterated this restriction at a news conference on September 12 in Kabul, further claiming that only female teachers would be allowed to teach female students.“Taliban: Women Can Study in Gender-Segregated Universities,” Voice of America, September 12, 2021, https://www.voanews.com/a/taliban-women-can-study-in-gender-segregated-universities/6223214.html. Additionally, Haqqani claimed Taliban officials would conduct a curriculum review, which media sources believe will be in line with the group’s fundamentalist Islamist code.Ezzatullah Mehrdad, Gerry Shih, and Miriam Berger, “Taliban minister says women can attend university, but not alongside men,” The Washington Post, September 12, 2021, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/09/12/afghanistan-taliban-women-education/.

On September 7, 2021, the Taliban announced the official appointments within their caretaker government. Akhund was appointed minister for higher education.“Taliban forms 33-member cabinet in Afghanistan: Full list,” Hindustan Times, September 8, 2021, https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/taliban-forms-33-member-cabinet-in-afghanistan-full-list-101631066722518.html. The government is exclusively male, with many positions filled with veterans from their hardline movement in the early nineties.Matthieu Aikins and Jim Huylebroek, “Taliban Appoint Stalwarts to Top Government Posts,” New York Times, September 7, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/07/world/asia/taliban-women-protest-kabul-afghanistan.html; Kathy Gannon, “Taliban form all-male Afghan government of old guard members,” Associated Press, September 8, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-pakistan-afghanistan-arrests-islamabad-d50b1b490d27d32eb20cc11b77c12c87.

Extremist Type
Political Leader
Types of Leaders
Extremist Entity Name
Taliban
Type[s] of Organization
Insurgent, non-state actor, regional, terrorist, transnational, violent
Type[s] of Ideology
Deobandi, Islamist, jihadist, Pashtun, Salafi, Sunni, Wahhabi
Position
Minister for higher education of the Taliban government
Also Known As
Date of Birth
1960-1962
Place of Birth
Jalalabad City, Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan or Shinwar District, Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan
Place of Residence
Kabul, Afghanistan
Citizenship
Afghan
Current Location(s)
Afghanistan
History Timeline
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1cKv5DUe2MmT5Pm5b-kFfdJVvE4YphZirRs7nkIDe6cQ/pubhtml

United Nations

  • The U.N. Security Council sanctioned Abdul Baqi Basir Awak Shah as an individual associated with the Taliban on February 23, 2001.“Security Council 1988 Committee Amends 17 Entries on Its Sanctions List,” United Nations, August 13, 2012, https://www.un.org/press/en/2012/sc10742.doc.htm.

United Kingdom

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Mohammad Essa Akhund is a U.N.-sanctioned Taliban senior leader who served as the minister of water, sanitation, and electricity under the first Taliban regime in the 1990s.“Security Council 1988 Committee Amends 105 Entries on Its Sanctions List,” United Nations, November 29, 2011, https://www.un.org/press/en/2011/sc10465.doc.htm. Following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, Akhund was named minister for minerals and petroleum of the Taliban government.“Taliban forms 33-member cabinet in Afghanistan: Full list,” Hindustan Times, September 8, 2021, https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/taliban-forms-33-member-cabinet-in-afghanistan-full-list-101631066722518.html.

A member of the Nurzai tribe, Akhund is a veteran of the Taliban movement. Akhund served as the minister of water, sanitation, and electricity under the first Taliban regime from the 1990s until 2001.“Security Council 1988 Committee Amends 105 Entries on Its Sanctions List,” United Nations, November 29, 2011, https://www.un.org/press/en/2011/sc10465.doc.htm. Given Akhund’s role within the Taliban, the United Nations Security Council sanctioned Akhund on January 25, 2001, and the U.K. Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation sanctioned Haqqani on February 23 of that year.“Security Council 1988 Committee Amends 105 Entries on Its Sanctions List,” United Nations, November 29, 2011, https://www.un.org/press/en/2011/sc10465.doc.htm; “Consolidated List of Financial Sanctions Targets in the UK,” Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation HM Treasury, February 1, 2021, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/957420/afghanistan.pdf.

On August 6, 2021, the Taliban began an offensive against major Afghan cities with the seizure of Zaranj, capital of Nimruz province.Susannah George and Ezzatullah Mehrdad, “Taliban fighters overrun an Afghan provincial capital for the first time since withdrawal of foreign forces,” Washington Post, August 6, 2021, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/08/06/afghanistan-taliban-nimruz/. By August 13, the Taliban controlled 17 of Afghanistan’s 34 provincial capitals and more than two-thirds of the country.Rahim Faiez, and Joseph Krauss, “Taliban sweep across Afghanistan’s south; take 4 more cities,” Associated Press, August 13, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-taliban-c6c8d4a41c554f36031a8131538d1402. On August 15, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fled Afghanistan and thousands of Afghans poured into Kabul’s airport as Taliban fighters entered the city. By August 16, the Taliban laid siege to the presidential palace and took complete control of Kabul, after which the Taliban declared the war in Afghanistan had ended.“Taliban declares ‘war is over’ as president and diplomats flee Kabul,” Reuters, August 15, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/talibans-rapid-advance-across-afghanistan-2021-08-10/. The Taliban has claimed that it would take on a more “moderate” approach in their ruling of the country, and that women are allowed to have roles in public life in observance of “Islamic law.”“Factbox: Taliban seek to present a moderate face as they take control in Afghanistan,” Reuters, August 15, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/taliban-seek-present-moderate-face-they-take-control-afghanistan-2021-08-15/.

On September 7, 2021, the Taliban announced the official appointments within their caretaker government. Akhund was appointed minister for mineral and petroleum.“Taliban forms 33-member cabinet in Afghanistan: Full list,” Hindustan Times, September 8, 2021, https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/taliban-forms-33-member-cabinet-in-afghanistan-full-list-101631066722518.html. The government is exclusively male, with many positions filled with veterans from their hardline movement in the early nineties.Matthieu Aikins and Jim Huylebroek, “Taliban Appoint Stalwarts to Top Government Posts,” New York Times, September 7, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/07/world/asia/taliban-women-protest-kabul-afghanistan.html; Kathy Gannon, “Taliban form all-male Afghan government of old guard members,” Associated Press, September 8, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-pakistan-afghanistan-arrests-islamabad-d50b1b490d27d32eb20cc11b77c12c87.

Extremist Type
Political Leader
Types of Leaders
Extremist Entity Name
Taliban
Type[s] of Organization
Insurgent, non-state actor, regional, terrorist, transnational, violent
Type[s] of Ideology
Deobandi, Islamist, jihadist, Pashtun, Salafi, Sunni, Wahhabi
Position
Minister for minerals and petroleum of the Taliban government
Also Known As
Date of Birth
1958
Place of Birth
Mial area, Spin Boldak District, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan
Place of Residence
Kabul, Afghanistan
Citizenship
Afghan
Current Location(s)
Afghanistan
History Timeline
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1B98r9IYYOzxaK3wiO06KL4NZ0ngMsNiJISouC8c-UuU/pubhtml

United Nations

  • The United Nations Security Council sanctioned Mohammad Essa Akhund as an individual associated with the Taliban on January 25, 2001.“Security Council 1988 Committee Amends 105 Entries on Its Sanctions List,” United Nations, November 29, 2011, https://www.un.org/press/en/2011/sc10465.doc.htm.

United Kingdom

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Gul Agha Ishakzai, better known as Gul Agha, is a U.N.-sanctioned Taliban senior leader who is a close friend and advisor to Taliban leader Mullah Mohammed Omar.“Security Council 1988 Committee Amends 105 Entries on Its Sanctions List,” United Nations, November 29, 2011, https://www.un.org/press/en/2011/sc10465.doc.htm. Following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, Gul Agha was named minister of finance of the Taliban government.“Taliban forms 33-member cabinet in Afghanistan: Full list,” Hindustan Times, September 8, 2021, https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/taliban-forms-33-member-cabinet-in-afghanistan-full-list-101631066722518.html.

A member of the Ishaqzai tribe, Gul Agha is a childhood friend of Taliban leader Mullah Mohammed Omar. As one of Omar’s closest advisors, Gul Agha reportedly served as his principal finance officer. According to the United Nations, at one point no one was allowed to meet with Omar unless previously approved by Gul Agha. During the first Taliban regime, Gul Agha allegedly lived in the presidential palace with Omar.“GUL AGHA ISHAKZAI,” United Nations Security Council, July 20, 2010, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1988/materials/summaries/individual/gul-agha-ishakzai.

Gul Agha reportedly facilitated the movement of people and goods to Taliban training camps in December 2005, and later traveled to obtain weapon parts in late 2006.“GUL AGHA ISHAKZAI,” United Nations Security Council, July 20, 2010, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1988/materials/summaries/individual/gul-agha-ishakzai. Among Gul Agha’s more nefarious responsibilities included collecting money for suicide attacks in Kandahar, Afghanistan and distributing funds to Taliban fighters and their families.“GUL AGHA ISHAKZAI,” United Nations Security Council, July 20, 2010, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1988/materials/summaries/individual/gul-agha-ishakzai.

According to media sources, one of Gul Agha’s most recent roles was as a member of a Taliban Council that coordinated the collection of zakat (Islamic tax) throughout Baluchistan Province, Pakistan. Additionally, according to the United Nations, from at least July 2010, Gul Agha served as head of the Taliban Financial Commission—a role which he held until September 2021.“GUL AGHA ISHAKZAI,” United Nations Security Council, July 20, 2010, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1988/materials/summaries/individual/gul-agha-ishakzai; “Taliban appoint senior veterans to key ministerial posts,” Reuters, August 25, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/taliban-appoint-senior-veterans-key-ministerial-posts-2021-08-25/. Given his prominent role within the Taliban, the United Nations Security Council sanctioned Gul Agha on July 10, 2010, and the U.K. Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation sanctioned Gul Agha on July 30, 2010.“Security Council 1988 Committee Amends 105 Entries on Its Sanctions List,” United Nations, November 29, 2011, https://www.un.org/press/en/2011/sc10465.doc.htm; “CONSOLIDATED LIST OF FINANCIAL SANCTIONS TARGETS IN THE UK,” Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation HM  Treasury, February 1, 2021, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/957420/afghanistan.pdf.

On August 6, 2021, the Taliban began an offensive against major Afghan cities with the seizure of Zaranj, capital of Nimruz province.Susannah George and Ezzatullah Mehrdad, “Taliban fighters overrun an Afghan provincial capital for the first time since withdrawal of foreign forces,” Washington Post, August 6, 2021, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/08/06/afghanistan-taliban-nimruz/. By August 13, the Taliban controlled 17 of Afghanistan’s 34 provincial capitals and more than two-thirds of the country.Rahim Faiez, and Joseph Krauss, “Taliban sweep across Afghanistan’s south; take 4 more cities,” Associated Press, August 13, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-taliban-c6c8d4a41c554f36031a8131538d1402. On August 15, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fled Afghanistan and thousands of Afghans poured into Kabul’s airport as Taliban fighters entered the city. By August 16, the Taliban laid siege to the presidential palace and took complete control of Kabul, after which the Taliban declared the war in Afghanistan had ended.“Taliban declares ‘war is over’ as president and diplomats flee Kabul,” Reuters, August 15, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/talibans-rapid-advance-across-afghanistan-2021-08-10/. The Taliban has claimed that it would take on a more “moderate” approach in their ruling of the country, and that women are allowed to have roles in public life in observance of “Islamic law.”“Factbox: Taliban seek to present a moderate face as they take control in Afghanistan,” Reuters, August 15, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/taliban-seek-present-moderate-face-they-take-control-afghanistan-2021-08-15/.

On September 7, 2021, the Taliban announced the official appointments within their caretaker government. Gul Agha was appointed minister of finance of the Taliban government.“Taliban forms 33-member cabinet in Afghanistan: Full list,” Hindustan Times, September 8, 2021, https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/taliban-forms-33-member-cabinet-in-afghanistan-full-list-101631066722518.html. The government is exclusively male, with many positions filled with veterans from their hardline movement in the early nineties.Matthieu Aikins and Jim Huylebroek, “Taliban Appoint Stalwarts to Top Government Posts,” New York Times, September 7, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/07/world/asia/taliban-women-protest-kabul-afghanistan.html; Kathy Gannon, “Taliban form all-male Afghan government of old guard members,” Associated Press, September 8, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-pakistan-afghanistan-arrests-islamabad-d50b1b490d27d32eb20cc11b77c12c87.

Extremist Type
Political Leader
Extremist Entity Name
Taliban
Type[s] of Organization
Insurgent, non-state actor, regional, terrorist, transnational, violent
Type[s] of Ideology
Deobandi, Islamist, jihadist, Pashtun, Salafi, Sunni, Wahhabi
Position
Minister of Finance of the Taliban government
Also Known As
Date of Birth
1972
Place of Birth
Band-e-Timor, Maiwand District, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan
Place of Residence
Kabul, Afghanistan
Citizenship
Afghan
Current Location(s)
Afghanistan
History Timeline
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1vTkQEHWPuhU6Whtgv69Z7YpJtVYT6NiEsECyKGkygDI/pubhtml

United Nations

  • The United Nations sanctioned Gul Agha Ishakzai as an individual associated with the Taliban on July 10, 2010.“Security Council 1988 Committee Amends 105 Entries on Its Sanctions List,” United Nations, November 29, 2011, https://www.un.org/press/en/2011/sc10465.doc.htm.

United Kingdom

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Najibullah Haqqani Hidayatullah, better known as Najibullah Haqqani, is a U.N.-sanctioned Taliban senior leader who served as deputy minister of finance under the first Taliban regime in the 1990s until 2001.“Security Council 1988 Committee Amends 105 Entries on Its Sanctions List,” United Nations, November 29, 2011, https://www.un.org/press/en/2011/sc10465.doc.htm. Following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, Haqqani was named minister of communications of the Taliban government.“Taliban forms 33-member cabinet in Afghanistan: Full list,” Hindustan Times, September 8, 2021, https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/taliban-forms-33-member-cabinet-in-afghanistan-full-list-101631066722518.html.

Given Haqqani’s prominent role within the Taliban, the United Nations Security Council sanctioned Haqqani on February 23, 2001, and the U.K. Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation sanctioned Haqqani on April 2, 2001.“Security Council 1988 Committee Amends 105 Entries on Its Sanctions List,” United Nations, November 29, 2011, https://www.un.org/press/en/2011/sc10465.doc.htm; “CONSOLIDATED LIST OF FINANCIAL SANCTIONS TARGETS IN THE UK,” Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation HM Treasury, February 1, 2021, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/957420/afghanistan.pdf.

Haqqani went on to become a member of the Taliban Council in the Kunar Province in 2007, and in June 2008 was appointed the primary Taliban official responsible for military activity in Kunar.“NAJIBULLAH HAQQANI HIDAYATULLAH,” United Nations Security Council, June 1, 2010, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1988/materials/summaries/individual/najibullah-haqqani-hidayatullah. By late 2010, Haqqani was reported to be the Taliban member responsible for Laghman province.“NAJIBULLAH HAQQANI HIDAYATULLAH,” United Nations Security Council, June 1, 2010, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1988/materials/summaries/individual/najibullah-haqqani-hidayatullah.

On August 6, 2021, the Taliban began an offensive against major Afghan cities with the seizure of Zaranj, capital of Nimruz province.Susannah George and Ezzatullah Mehrdad, “Taliban fighters overrun an Afghan provincial capital for the first time since withdrawal of foreign forces,” Washington Post, August 6, 2021, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/08/06/afghanistan-taliban-nimruz/. By August 13, the Taliban controlled 17 of Afghanistan’s 34 provincial capitals and more than two-thirds of the country.Rahim Faiez, and Joseph Krauss, “Taliban sweep across Afghanistan’s south; take 4 more cities,” Associated Press, August 13, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-taliban-c6c8d4a41c554f36031a8131538d1402. On August 15, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fled Afghanistan and thousands of Afghans poured into Kabul’s airport as Taliban fighters entered the city. By August 16, the Taliban laid siege to the presidential palace and took complete control of Kabul, after which the Taliban declared the war in Afghanistan had ended.“Taliban declares ‘war is over’ as president and diplomats flee Kabul,” Reuters, August 15, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/talibans-rapid-advance-across-afghanistan-2021-08-10/. The Taliban has claimed that it would take on a more “moderate” approach in their ruling of the country, and that women are allowed to have roles in public life in observance of “Islamic law.”“Factbox: Taliban seek to present a moderate face as they take control in Afghanistan,” Reuters, August 15, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/taliban-seek-present-moderate-face-they-take-control-afghanistan-2021-08-15/.

On September 7, 2021, the Taliban announced the official appointments within their caretaker government. Haqqani was appointed minister of communications of the Taliban government.“Taliban forms 33-member cabinet in Afghanistan: Full list,” Hindustan Times, September 8, 2021, https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/taliban-forms-33-member-cabinet-in-afghanistan-full-list-101631066722518.html. The government is exclusively male, with many positions filled with veterans from their hardline movement in the early nineties.Matthieu Aikins and Jim Huylebroek, “Taliban Appoint Stalwarts to Top Government Posts,” New York Times, September 7, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/07/world/asia/taliban-women-protest-kabul-afghanistan.html; Kathy Gannon, “Taliban form all-male Afghan government of old guard members,” Associated Press, September 8, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-pakistan-afghanistan-arrests-islamabad-d50b1b490d27d32eb20cc11b77c12c87.

Extremist Type
Political Leader
Types of Leaders
Extremist Entity Name
Taliban
Type[s] of Organization
Insurgent, non-state actor, regional, terrorist, transnational, violent
Type[s] of Ideology
Deobandi, Islamist, jihadist, Pashtun, Salafi, Sunni, Wahhabi
Position
Minister of communications of the Taliban government
Also Known As
Date of Birth
1964 or 1969
Place of Birth
Moni village, Shigal District, Kunar Province, Afghanistan
Place of Residence
Kabul, Afghanistan
Citizenship
Afghan
Current Location(s)
Afghanistan
History Timeline
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1TWFB1X-BRo6egiUvhjrLRipnVjWTLr4uqKBYY6LIIbU/pubhtml

United Nations

  • The United Nations sanctioned Najibullah Haqqani Hidayatullah as an individual associated with the Taliban on February 23, 2001.“Security Council 1988 Committee Amends 105 Entries on Its Sanctions List,” United Nations, November 29, 2011, https://www.un.org/press/en/2011/sc10465.doc.htm.

United Kingdom

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Hamidullah Akhund Sher Mohammad, better known as Hameedullah Akhundzada, is a U.N.-sanctioned Taliban senior leader who served as the head of Ariana Afghan Airlines under the first Taliban regime in the 1990s until 2001.“Security Council 1988 Committee Amends 105 Entries on Its Sanctions List,” United Nations, November 29, 2011, https://www.un.org/press/en/2011/sc10465.doc.htm. Following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, Akhundzada was named minister of civil aviation and transport of the Taliban government.“Taliban forms 33-member cabinet in Afghanistan: Full list,” Hindustan Times, September 8, 2021, https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/taliban-forms-33-member-cabinet-in-afghanistan-full-list-101631066722518.html.

Given Akhundzada’s prominent role within the Taliban, the United Nations Security Council sanctioned Akhundzada on January 25, 2001, and the U.K. Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation sanctioned Akhundzada on February 23, 2001.“Security Council 1988 Committee Amends 105 Entries on Its Sanctions List,” United Nations, November 29, 2011, https://www.un.org/press/en/2011/sc10465.doc.htm; “CONSOLIDATED LIST OF FINANCIAL SANCTIONS TARGETS IN THE UK,” Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation HM  Treasury, February 1, 2021, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/957420/afghanistan.pdf.

On August 6, 2021, the Taliban began an offensive against major Afghan cities with the seizure of Zaranj, capital of Nimruz province.Susannah George and Ezzatullah Mehrdad, “Taliban fighters overrun an Afghan provincial capital for the first time since withdrawal of foreign forces,” Washington Post, August 6, 2021, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/08/06/afghanistan-taliban-nimruz/. By August 13, the Taliban controlled 17 of Afghanistan’s 34 provincial capitals and more than two-thirds of the country.Rahim Faiez, and Joseph Krauss, “Taliban sweep across Afghanistan’s south; take 4 more cities,” Associated Press, August 13, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-taliban-c6c8d4a41c554f36031a8131538d1402. On August 15, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fled Afghanistan and thousands of Afghans poured into Kabul’s airport as Taliban fighters entered the city. By August 16, the Taliban laid siege to the presidential palace and took complete control of Kabul, after which the Taliban declared the war in Afghanistan had ended.“Taliban declares ‘war is over’ as president and diplomats flee Kabul,” Reuters, August 15, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/talibans-rapid-advance-across-afghanistan-2021-08-10/. The Taliban has claimed that it would take on a more “moderate” approach in their ruling of the country, and that women are allowed to have roles in public life in observance of “Islamic law.”“Factbox: Taliban seek to present a moderate face as they take control in Afghanistan,” Reuters, August 15, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/taliban-seek-present-moderate-face-they-take-control-afghanistan-2021-08-15/.

On September 7, 2021, the Taliban announced the official appointments within their caretaker government. Akhundzada was appointed minister of civil aviation and transport of the Taliban government.“Taliban forms 33-member cabinet in Afghanistan: Full list,” Hindustan Times, September 8, 2021, https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/taliban-forms-33-member-cabinet-in-afghanistan-full-list-101631066722518.html. The government is exclusively male, with many positions filled with veterans from their hardline movement in the early nineties.Matthieu Aikins and Jim Huylebroek, “Taliban Appoint Stalwarts to Top Government Posts,” New York Times, September 7, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/07/world/asia/taliban-women-protest-kabul-afghanistan.html; Kathy Gannon, “Taliban form all-male Afghan government of old guard members,” Associated Press, September 8, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-pakistan-afghanistan-arrests-islamabad-d50b1b490d27d32eb20cc11b77c12c87.

Extremist Type
Political Leader
Types of Leaders
Extremist Entity Name
Taliban
Type[s] of Organization
Insurgent, non-state actor, regional, terrorist, transnational, violent
Type[s] of Ideology
Deobandi, Islamist, jihadist, Pashtun, Salafi, Sunni, Wahhabi
Position
Minister of civil aviation and transport of the Taliban government
Also Known As
Date of Birth
1972-1973
Place of Birth
Sarpolad village, Washer District, Helmand Province, Afghanistan or Arghandab District, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan
Place of Residence
Kabul, Afghanistan
Citizenship
Afghan
Current Location(s)
Afghanistan
History Timeline
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1fX7ruG1h5wUccqnSR5wJcdo8X4_albA_xDG-P4J8h2w/pubhtml

United Nations

  • The United Nations sanctioned Hamidullah Akhund Sher Mohammad as an individual associated with the Taliban on January 25, 2001.“Security Council 1988 Committee Amends 105 Entries on Its Sanctions List,” United Nations, November 29, 2011, https://www.un.org/press/en/2011/sc10465.doc.htm.

United Kingdom

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Amir Khan Motaqi is a U.N.-sanctioned Taliban senior leader who served as minister of education during the Taliban’s first regime.“CONSOLIDATED LIST OF FINANCIAL SANCTIONS TARGETS IN THE UK,” Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation HM  Treasury, February 1, 2021, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/957420/afghanistan.pdf. Following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, Motaqi was named foreign minister of the Taliban government on September 7.“Taliban forms 33-member cabinet in Afghanistan: Full list,” Hindustan Times, September 8, 2021, https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/taliban-forms-33-member-cabinet-in-afghanistan-full-list-101631066722518.html.

A member of the Sulaimankhel tribe, Motaqi is a veteran member of the Taliban, serving both as the minister of education and a representative in U.N.-led talks under the first Taliban regime from the 1990s until 2001.“CONSOLIDATED LIST OF FINANCIAL SANCTIONS TARGETS IN THE UK,” Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation HM  Treasury, February 1, 2021, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/957420/afghanistan.pdf. Given Motaqi’s prominent role within the Taliban, the United Nations Security Council sanctioned Motaqi on January 25, 2001, with the U.K. Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation also enforcing sanctions on Motaqi on April 2, 2001.“Security Council 1988 Committee Amends 105 Entries on Its Sanctions List,” United Nations, November 29, 2011, https://www.un.org/press/en/2011/sc10465.doc.htm; “CONSOLIDATED LIST OF FINANCIAL SANCTIONS TARGETS IN THE UK,” Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation HM  Treasury, February 1, 2021, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/957420/afghanistan.pdf. As of June 2007, Motaqi served as a member of the Taliban Supreme Council.“CONSOLIDATED LIST OF FINANCIAL SANCTIONS TARGETS IN THE UK,” Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation HM  Treasury, February 1, 2021, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/957420/afghanistan.pdf.

On August 6, 2021, the Taliban began an offensive against major Afghan cities with the seizure of Zaranj, capital of Nimruz province.Susannah George and Ezzatullah Mehrdad, “Taliban fighters overrun an Afghan provincial capital for the first time since withdrawal of foreign forces,” Washington Post, August 6, 2021, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/08/06/afghanistan-taliban-nimruz/. By August 13, the Taliban controlled 17 of Afghanistan’s 34 provincial capitals and more than two-thirds of the country.Rahim Faiez, and Joseph Krauss, “Taliban sweep across Afghanistan’s south; take 4 more cities,” Associated Press, August 13, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-taliban-c6c8d4a41c554f36031a8131538d1402. On August 15, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fled Afghanistan and thousands of Afghans poured into Kabul’s airport as Taliban fighters entered the city. By August 16, the Taliban laid siege to the presidential palace and took complete control of Kabul, after which the Taliban declared the war in Afghanistan had ended.“Taliban declares ‘war is over’ as president and diplomats flee Kabul,” Reuters, August 15, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/talibans-rapid-advance-across-afghanistan-2021-08-10/. The Taliban has claimed that it would take on a more “moderate” approach in their ruling of the country, and that women are allowed to have roles in public life in observance of “Islamic law.”“Factbox: Taliban seek to present a moderate face as they take control in Afghanistan,” Reuters, August 15, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/taliban-seek-present-moderate-face-they-take-control-afghanistan-2021-08-15/.

In an audio recording released on social media on September 1, 2021, Motaqi urged residents of Panjshir province—the last region to fall to Taliban control—to convince their anti-Taliban neighbors to not engage in war and instead join the Islamic Emirate. Motaqi claimed the Islamic Emirate—a term the Taliban uses to refer to Afghanistan—will be a home for all Afghans as they “want to prevent war and find a political solution.”“The Latest: Security Council to keep focus on Afghanistan,” Associated Press, September 1, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/europe-religion-pope-francis-democracy-daf3cbe6393c7a7370cd09e476861176.

On September 7, 2021, the Taliban announced the official appointments within their caretaker government. Motaqi was appointed foreign minister of the Taliban government.“Taliban forms 33-member cabinet in Afghanistan: Full list,” Hindustan Times, September 8, 2021, https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/taliban-forms-33-member-cabinet-in-afghanistan-full-list-101631066722518.html. The government is exclusively male, with many positions filled with veterans from their hardline movement in the early nineties.Matthieu Aikins and Jim Huylebroek, “Taliban Appoint Stalwarts to Top Government Posts,” New York Times, September 7, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/07/world/asia/taliban-women-protest-kabul-afghanistan.html; Kathy Gannon, “Taliban form all-male Afghan government of old guard members,” Associated Press, September 8, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-pakistan-afghanistan-arrests-islamabad-d50b1b490d27d32eb20cc11b77c12c87.

At his first news conference since being named foreign minister, on September 14, 2021, Motaqi stated that the Taliban would remain committed to not allowing militants to use their territory to launch attacks. However, Motaqi made no mention whether the Taliban would create a more inclusive government. Motaqi stated that the current government is ruling on an interim basis, and that when a permanent government is formed, the Taliban “will take into account what the people want.” Additionally, Motaqi did not provide concrete details surrounding the date of eventual elections, and instead stated that other countries must not interfere in Afghanistan’s internal issues. However, Motaqi did state that Afghanistan’s embassies operating abroad have been told to continue their operations and promised that all Afghans would be allowed to leave the country as it is the responsibility of the Taliban government to provide passports to its citizens.Kathy Gannon, “Minister pledges Taliban govt won’t allow militant attacks,” Associated Press, September 14, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-cabinets-taliban-militant-groups-3652ae786079637a56a4edff5063fe5f. However, media sources reported that activists have accused the Taliban of preventing Afghans from leaving the country, even those with proper documentation.Ali M. Latifi, “Afghanistan’s Muttaqi urges countries to engage with new gov’t,” Al Jazeera, September 14, 2021, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/9/14/afghanistans-amir-khan-muttaqi-addresses-the-media.

Extremist Type
Political Leader
Types of Leaders
Extremist Entity Name
Taliban
Type[s] of Organization
Insurgent, non-state actor, regional, terrorist, transnational, violent
Type[s] of Ideology
Deobandi, Islamist, jihadist, Pashtun, Salafi, Sunni, Wahhabi
Position
Foreign Minister of the Taliban government
Also Known As
Date of Birth
1968
Place of Birth
Zurmat District, Paktia Province, Afghanistan or Shin Kalai village, Nad-e-Ali District, Helmand Province, Afghanistan
Place of Residence
Kabul, Afghanistan
Citizenship
Afghan
Current Location(s)
Afghanistan
History Timeline
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Hwuaa1GGchW-s6hRS7R1tmIhX-QczppZZuyXpQLSbEc/pubhtml

United Nations

  • The United Nations sanctioned Amir Khan Motaqi as an individual associated with the Taliban on January 25, 2001.“Security Council 1988 Committee Amends 105 Entries on Its Sanctions List,” United Nations, November 29, 2011, https://www.un.org/press/en/2011/sc10465.doc.htm.

United Kingdom

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Noor Mohammad Saqib is a U.N.-sanctioned Taliban senior leader who served as chief justice of the Supreme Court under the first Taliban regime in the 1990s until 2001.“Security Council 1988 Committee Amends 105 Entries on Its Sanctions List,” United Nations, November 29, 2011, https://www.un.org/press/en/2011/sc10465.doc.htm. Following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, Saqib was named minister of hajj and religious affairs of the Taliban government.“Taliban forms 33-member cabinet in Afghanistan: Full list,” Hindustan Times, September 8, 2021, https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/taliban-forms-33-member-cabinet-in-afghanistan-full-list-101631066722518.html.

A member of the Ahmadzai tribe, Saqib is a veteran member of the Taliban, who served as a member of the Taliban Supreme Council and head of the Taliban Religious Committee.“Security Council 1988 Committee Amends 105 Entries on Its Sanctions List,” United Nations, November 29, 2011, https://www.un.org/press/en/2011/sc10465.doc.htm. Given Saqib’s prominent role within the Taliban, the United Nations Security Council sanctioned Saqib on January 25, 2001, and the U.K. Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation sanctioned Saqib on February 23, 2001.“Security Council 1988 Committee Amends 105 Entries on Its Sanctions List,” United Nations, November 29, 2011, https://www.un.org/press/en/2011/sc10465.doc.htm; “CONSOLIDATED LIST OF FINANCIAL SANCTIONS TARGETS IN THE UK,” Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation HM  Treasury, February 1, 2021, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/957420/afghanistan.pdf.

During Saqib’s time as the Taliban’s chief justice of the Supreme Court, Saqib presided over the September 4, 2001 trial of eight foreign aid workers accused of promoting Christianity in Afghanistan. Over 24 staff—including 16 Afghans, four Germans, two Australians, and two Americans—from German-based Christian relief agency Shelter Now International, were arrested on August 5, 2001 in Kabul on charges of trying to convert people to Christianity. Saqib claimed the decision of the court would be “based on Islamic justice without taking into consideration (differences) between Muslims and non-Muslims,” a decision that could have ultimately resulted in the death penalty. However, following the 9/11 attacks and the U.S. occupation of Afghanistan, on November 14, 2001, U.S. military officials rescued the eight aid workers and transported them to Pakistan. The fate of the Afghan citizens who were arrested remains unclear.John F. Burns, “U.S. Rescues 8 Aid Workers South of Kabul,” New York Times, November 14, 2001, https://www.nytimes.com/2001/11/14/international/us-rescues-8-aid-workers-south-of-kabul.html; “Aid workers face Afghan court,” CNN, September 8, 2021, https://www.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/asiapcf/central/09/08/afghan.court/; “Aid workers promised fair trial,” CNN,  September 30, 2001, https://www.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/asiapcf/central/09/30/afghan.aid.worker/index.html; Celia W. Dugger, “Judge Vows Aid Workers' Trial Will Be Fair,” New York Times, October 1, 2001, https://www.nytimes.com/2001/10/01/world/judge-vows-aid-workers-trial-will-be-fair.html.

On August 6, 2021, the Taliban began an offensive against major Afghan cities with the seizure of Zaranj, capital of Nimruz province.Susannah George and Ezzatullah Mehrdad, “Taliban fighters overrun an Afghan provincial capital for the first time since withdrawal of foreign forces,” Washington Post, August 6, 2021, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/08/06/afghanistan-taliban-nimruz/. By August 13, the Taliban controlled 17 of Afghanistan’s 34 provincial capitals and more than two-thirds of the country.Rahim Faiez, and Joseph Krauss, “Taliban sweep across Afghanistan’s south; take 4 more cities,” Associated Press, August 13, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-taliban-c6c8d4a41c554f36031a8131538d1402. On August 15, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fled Afghanistan and thousands of Afghans poured into Kabul’s airport as Taliban fighters entered the city. By August 16, the Taliban laid siege to the presidential palace and took complete control of Kabul, after which the Taliban declared the war in Afghanistan had ended.“Taliban declares ‘war is over’ as president and diplomats flee Kabul,” Reuters, August 15, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/talibans-rapid-advance-across-afghanistan-2021-08-10/. The Taliban has claimed that it would take on a more “moderate” approach in their ruling of the country, and that women are allowed to have roles in public life in observance of “Islamic law.”“Factbox: Taliban seek to present a moderate face as they take control in Afghanistan,” Reuters, August 15, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/taliban-seek-present-moderate-face-they-take-control-afghanistan-2021-08-15/.

On September 7, 2021, the Taliban announced the official appointments within their caretaker government. Saqib was appointed minister of hajj and religious affairs of the Taliban government.“Taliban forms 33-member cabinet in Afghanistan: Full list,” Hindustan Times, September 8, 2021, https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/taliban-forms-33-member-cabinet-in-afghanistan-full-list-101631066722518.html. The government is exclusively male, with many positions filled with veterans from their hardline movement in the early nineties.Matthieu Aikins and Jim Huylebroek, “Taliban Appoint Stalwarts to Top Government Posts,” New York Times, September 7, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/07/world/asia/taliban-women-protest-kabul-afghanistan.html; Kathy Gannon, “Taliban form all-male Afghan government of old guard members,” Associated Press, September 8, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-pakistan-afghanistan-arrests-islamabad-d50b1b490d27d32eb20cc11b77c12c87.

Extremist Type
Political Leader
Types of Leaders
Extremist Entity Name
Taliban
Type[s] of Organization
Insurgent, non-state actor, regional, terrorist, transnational, violent
Type[s] of Ideology
Deobandi, Islamist, jihadist, Pashtun, Salafi, Sunni, Wahhabi
Position
Minister of Hajj and Religious Affairs of the Taliban government
Also Known As
Date of Birth
1958
Place of Birth
Bagrami District, Kabul Province, Afghanistan or Tarakhel area, Deh Sabz District, Kabul Province, Afghanistan
Place of Residence
Kabul, Afghanistan
Citizenship
Afghan
Current Location(s)
Afghanistan
History Timeline
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1NTPK_Bnt5wvUhi16bEp8z3Zyn7HCinsoPzNyeoeXNNc/pubhtml

United Nations

  • The United Nations sanctioned Noor Mohammad Saqib as an individual associated with the Taliban on January 25, 2001.“Security Council 1988 Committee Amends 105 Entries on Its Sanctions List,” United Nations, November 29, 2011, https://www.un.org/press/en/2011/sc10465.doc.htm.

United Kingdom

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Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi is a U.N.-sanctioned Taliban senior leader who served as deputy minister of education under the first Taliban regime in the 1990s and later took on a prominent role within the Taliban’s political office in Doha, Qatar.“Once wanted terrorists, now Taliban are prominent members of 2021,” Economic Times, August 28, 2021, https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/once-wanted-terrorists-now-taliban-are-prominent-members-of-2021/articleshow/85712428.cms?from=mdr; “Security Council Committee Approves Amendments to identifying Information of Eight Individuals on Consolidated List,” United Nations, February 11, 2008, https://www.un.org/press/en/2008/sc9245.doc.htm. On September 7, 2021, it was announced that Hanafi will serve as the co-deputy prime minister of the Taliban’s caretaker government in Afghanistan.Matthieu Aikins and Jim Huylebroek, “Taliban Appoint Stalwarts to Top Government Posts,” New York Times, September 7, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/07/world/asia/taliban-women-protest-kabul-afghanistan.html.

According to media sources, Hanafi, an ethnic Uzbek, studied at various religious seminaries both in and out of Karachi and has taught at Kabul University.“Once wanted terrorists, now Taliban are prominent members of 2021,” Economic Times, August 28, 2021, https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/once-wanted-terrorists-now-taliban-are-prominent-members-of-2021/articleshow/85712428.cms?from=mdr. During the Taliban’s rule in the 1990s, Hanafi served as governor as well as deputy minister of education. Following the Taliban’s fall from power in 2001, Hanafi was placed in charge of various provinces by the Taliban leadership. In May 2007, Hanafi was in charge of the Jawzujan Province and was also responsible for Jawzjan Province until 2008.“ABDUL SALAM HANAFI ALI MARDAN QUL,” United Nations Security Council, February 23, 2001, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1988/materials/summaries/individual/abdul-salam-hanafi-ali-mardan-qul. Hanafi later served as deputy head of the Taliban’s political office in Doha, Qatar, and served on the negotiating team that finalized the U.S.-Taliban agreement in February 2020.“Once wanted terrorists, now Taliban are prominent members of 2021,” Economic Times, August 28, 2021, https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/once-wanted-terrorists-now-taliban-are-prominent-members-of-2021/articleshow/85712428.cms?from=mdr; Matthieu Aikins and Jim Huylebroek, “Taliban Appoint Stalwarts to Top Government Posts,” New York Times, September 7, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/07/world/asia/taliban-women-protest-kabul-afghanistan.html. Given Hanafi’s role within the Taliban, the United Nations Security Council sanctioned Hanafi on February 23, 2001, and the U.K. Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation sanctioned Hanafi on April 2 of that year.“ABDUL SALAM HANAFI ALI MARDAN QUL,” United Nations Security Council, February 23, 2001, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1988/materials/summaries/individual/abdul-salam-hanafi-ali-mardan-qul; “Consolidated List of Financial Sanctions Targets in the UK,” Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation HM Treasury, February 1, 2021, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/957420/afghanistan.pdf.

On August 6, 2021, the Taliban began an offensive against major Afghan cities with the seizure of Zaranj, capital of Nimruz province.Susannah George and Ezzatullah Mehrdad, “Taliban fighters overrun an Afghan provincial capital for the first time since withdrawal of foreign forces,” Washington Post, August 6, 2021, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/08/06/afghanistan-taliban-nimruz/. By August 13, the Taliban controlled 17 of Afghanistan’s 34 provincial capitals and more than two-thirds of the country.Rahim Faiez, and Joseph Krauss, “Taliban sweep across Afghanistan’s south; take 4 more cities,” Associated Press, August 13, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-taliban-c6c8d4a41c554f36031a8131538d1402. On August 15, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fled Afghanistan and thousands of Afghans poured into Kabul’s airport as Taliban fighters entered the city. By August 16, the Taliban laid siege to the presidential palace and took complete control of Kabul, after which the Taliban declared the war in Afghanistan had ended.“Taliban declares ‘war is over’ as president and diplomats flee Kabul,” Reuters, August 15, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/talibans-rapid-advance-across-afghanistan-2021-08-10/. The Taliban has claimed that it would take on a more “moderate” approach in their ruling of the country, and that women are allowed to have roles in public life in observance of “Islamic law.”“Factbox: Taliban seek to present a moderate face as they take control in Afghanistan,” Reuters, August 15, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/taliban-seek-present-moderate-face-they-take-control-afghanistan-2021-08-15/.

Following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, on September 2, 2021, Hanafi had a phone conversation with China’s Assistant Foreign Minister Wu Jianghao and stated that the Taliban is willing to develop friendly relations with China and will never threaten Chinese interests.“Assistant Foreign Minister Wu Jianghao Speaks with Deputy Head of the Afghan Taliban's Political Office in Doha Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi on the Phone,” Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, September 2, 2021, https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/wjbxw/t1904432.shtml.

On September 7, 2021, the Taliban announced the official appointments within their caretaker government. Muhammad Hassan Akhund was named prime minister, and Hanafi was named co-deputy prime minister along with Abdul Ghani Baradar, a fellow Taliban veteran who led the U.S.-Taliban negotiations in Doha. The government is exclusively male, with many positions filled with veterans from their hardline movement in the early nineties.Matthieu Aikins and Jim Huylebroek, “Taliban Appoint Stalwarts to Top Government Posts,” New York Times, September 7, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/07/world/asia/taliban-women-protest-kabul-afghanistan.html; Kathy Gannon, “Taliban form all-male Afghan government of old guard members,” Associated Press, September 8, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-pakistan-afghanistan-arrests-islamabad-d50b1b490d27d32eb20cc11b77c12c87.

Extremist Type
Political Leader
Types of Leaders
Extremist Entity Name
Taliban
Type[s] of Organization
Insurgent, non-state actor, regional, terrorist, transnational, violent
Type[s] of Ideology
Deobandi, Islamist, jihadist, Pashtun, Salafi, Sunni, Wahhabi
Position
Co-deputy Prime Minister of the Taliban government
Also Known As
  • Abdul Salam Hanafi Ali Mardan Qul“Security Council Committee Approves Amendments to identifying Information of Eight Individuals on Consolidated List,” United Nations, February 11, 2008, https://www.un.org/press/en/2008/sc9245.doc.htm.
  • Abdussalam Hanifi“Security Council Committee Approves Amendments to identifying Information of Eight Individuals on Consolidated List,” United Nations, February 11, 2008, https://www.un.org/press/en/2008/sc9245.doc.htm.
  • Hanafi Saheb“Security Council Committee Approves Amendments to identifying Information of Eight Individuals on Consolidated List,” United Nations, February 11, 2008, https://www.un.org/press/en/2008/sc9245.doc.htm.
  • Mullah Abdul Salam Hanafi Ali Mardan Qul“Security Council Committee Approves Amendments to identifying Information of Eight Individuals on Consolidated List,” United Nations, February 11, 2008, https://www.un.org/press/en/2008/sc9245.doc.htm.
  • Maulavi Abdul Salam Hanafi Ali Mardan Qul“Security Council Committee Approves Amendments to identifying Information of Eight Individuals on Consolidated List,” United Nations, February 11, 2008, https://www.un.org/press/en/2008/sc9245.doc.htm.
Date of Birth
1968
Place of Birth
Darzab district, Faryab district, Afghanistan
Place of Residence
Kabul, Afghanistan
Citizenship
Afghan
Current Location(s)
Afghanistan
History Timeline
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1sRC0yMSFw7-daEe6lHA6stVh0LpzU7vYDKDo0_wAREU/pubhtml

United Nations

United Kingdom

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Leader

Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund is a U.N.-designated founding member of the Taliban.“Security Council 1988 Committee Amends 105 Entries on Its Sanctions List,” United Nations, November 29, 2011, https://www.un.org/press/en/2011/sc10465.doc.htm; Douglas Schorzman, “Who Are the Taliban’s New Government Leaders? Here’s What We Know,” New York Times, September 7, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/article/taliban-leaders-afghanistan.html?action=click&module=RelatedLinks&pgtype=Article. On September 7, 2021, Akhund was named the prime minister of the Taliban government.Douglas Schorzman, “Who Are the Taliban’s New Government Leaders? Here’s What We Know,” New York Times, September 7, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/article/taliban-leaders-afghanistan.html?action=click&module=RelatedLinks&pgtype=Article. Akhund has primarily been a religious figure rather than a political or military leader and is seen as a compromise between more radical and moderate members of the Taliban.Eloise Barry, “Mohammad Hassan Akhund Is to Lead Afghanistan's Government. Here's What to Know about the Taliban's New Prime Minister,” Time, September 9, 2021, https://time.com/6096377/mullah-akhund-taliban-prime-minister/. On May 17, 2023, Akhund temporarily stepped down from office due to illness. His duties as acting prime minister were transferred to the U.N. designated Abdul Kabir Mohammad Jan (a.k.a. Abdul Kabir), the current deputy prime minister for political affairs.Ayaz Gul, “UN-Blacklisted Taliban Leader Becomes Acting Afghan Prime Minister,” Voice of America, May 17, 2023, https://www.voanews.com/a/un-blacklisted-taliban-leader-becomes-acting-afghan-prime-minister-/7097476.html.

Akhund was a close associate and political advisor to Mullah Mohammed Omar, the founder of the Taliban and the movement’s first supreme leader.“Key players in the Taliban's new government,” France 24, September 7, 2021, https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210907-key-players-in-the-taliban-s-new-government. Unlike other Taliban leaders, Akhund was not a part of the mujahadeen that fought against Soviet forces in the Soviet-Afghan war of the 1980s. Instead, Akhund took on a role that primarily provided religious guidance to Taliban leaders, often espousing the denial of civil rights and liberties for ethnic and religious minorities. He also encouraged the banning of women’s education, gender segregation, and strict religious dress that was heavily enforced by the Taliban in the 1990s.Ali A. Olomi, “Who is Mullah Hasan Akhund? What does the Taliban’s choice of interim prime minister mean for Afghanistan?,” The Conversation, September 7, 2021, https://theconversation.com/who-is-mullah-hasan-akhund-what-does-the-talibans-choice-of-interim-prime-minister-mean-for-afghanistan-167514.

From 1996 to 2001, Akhund allegedly served a variety of roles in the Taliban regime, including first deputy of the Council of Ministers, foreign minister, and governor of Kandahar. According to media reports, Akhund was a hot-tempered foreign minister, and in March 1998, he allegedly struck a U.N. staffer with a teapot during a diplomatic meeting. The United Nations subsequently withdrew its staff from Kandahar, and suspended humanitarian activities in the south of Afghanistan, leading the Taliban to depose Akhund from his role.Eloise Barry, “Mohammad Hassan Akhund Is to Lead Afghanistan's Government. Here's What to Know about the Taliban's New Prime Minister,” Time, September 9, 2021, https://time.com/6096377/mullah-akhund-taliban-prime-minister/.

For the next two decades after the Taliban’s fall from power in 2001, Akhund maintained a low-profile, choosing to help coordinate and run the Taliban’s leadership council in Quetta, Pakistan.Douglas Schorzman, “Who Are the Taliban’s New Government Leaders? Here’s What We Know,” New York Times, September 7, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/article/taliban-leaders-afghanistan.html?action=click&module=RelatedLinks&pgtype=Article. While in Pakistan, Akhund provided spiritual and religious guidance to the Taliban, offering ideological justification for the Taliban’s insurgency against the U.S. and the western backed government in Afghanistan.Ali A. Olomi, “Who is Mullah Hasan Akhund? What does the Taliban’s choice of interim prime minister mean for Afghanistan?,” The Conversation, September 7, 2021, https://theconversation.com/who-is-mullah-hasan-akhund-what-does-the-talibans-choice-of-interim-prime-minister-mean-for-afghanistan-167514. Given Akhund’s multiple roles within the Taliban’s regime, the United Nations Security Council sanctioned Akhund on January 25, 2001.“MOHAMMAD HASSAN AKHUND,” United Nations Security Council, May 13, 2011, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1988/materials/summaries/individual/mohammad-hassan-akhund.

In 2001, while serving in the Taliban’s shura council, Akhund approved the destruction of the Buddhas of Bamiyan—a UNESCO world heritage site. According to media sources, instead of providing Afghanistan with necessary humanitarian aid, the United Nations had allocated money to preserve the statues—a move that greatly incensed the shura council.Ali A. Olomi, “Who is Mullah Hasan Akhund? What does the Taliban’s choice of interim prime minister mean for Afghanistan?,” The Conversation, September 7, 2021, https://theconversation.com/who-is-mullah-hasan-akhund-what-does-the-talibans-choice-of-interim-prime-minister-mean-for-afghanistan-167514.

On August 6, 2021, the Taliban began an offensive against major Afghan cities with the seizure of Zaranj, capital of Nimruz province.Susannah George and Ezzatullah Mehrdad, “Taliban fighters overrun an Afghan provincial capital for the first time since withdrawal of foreign forces,” Washington Post, August 6, 2021, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/08/06/afghanistan-taliban-nimruz/. By August 13, the Taliban controlled 17 of Afghanistan’s 34 provincial capitals and more than two-thirds of the country.Rahim Faiez, and Joseph Krauss, “Taliban sweep across Afghanistan’s south; take 4 more cities,” Associated Press, August 13, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-taliban-c6c8d4a41c554f36031a8131538d1402. On August 15, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fled Afghanistan and thousands of Afghans poured into Kabul’s airport as Taliban fighters entered the city. By August 16, the Taliban laid siege to the presidential palace and took complete control of Kabul, after which the Taliban declared the war in Afghanistan had ended.“Taliban declares ‘war is over’ as president and diplomats flee Kabul,” Reuters, August 15, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/talibans-rapid-advance-across-afghanistan-2021-08-10/. The Taliban has claimed that it would take on a more “moderate” approach in their ruling of the country, and that women are allowed to have roles in public life in observance of “Islamic law.”“Factbox: Taliban seek to present a moderate face as they take control in Afghanistan,” Reuters, August 15, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/taliban-seek-present-moderate-face-they-take-control-afghanistan-2021-08-15/.

On September 7, 2021, the Taliban announced the official appointments within their caretaker government. Akhund was named prime minister, where he will look after the day to day of governing. The government is exclusively male, with many positions filled with veterans from their hardline movement in the early nineties.Matthieu Aikins and Jim Huylebroek, “Taliban Appoint Stalwarts to Top Government Posts,” New York Times, September 7, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/07/world/asia/taliban-women-protest-kabul-afghanistan.html; Kathy Gannon, “Taliban form all-male Afghan government of old guard members,” Associated Press, September 8, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-pakistan-afghanistan-arrests-islamabad-d50b1b490d27d32eb20cc11b77c12c87.

On September 12, 2021, Akhund met with Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani in Kabul. Al-Thani allegedly called upon the country’s new government to “involve all Afghan parties in national reconciliation.” Additionally, al-Thani spoke with Akhund to discuss “concerted efforts to combat terrorist organizations.”“Taliban hold talks with Qatar foreign minister. Here’s what they discussed” Hindustan Times, September 13, 2021, https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/taliban-hold-talks-with-qatar-foreign-minister-here-s-what-they-discussed-101631499643674.html.

Akuhund was scarcely in the spotlight for the next few years. However, on May 17, 2023, Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, announced that Abdul Kabir, the U.N. designated and current deputy prime minister for political affairs, will temporarily fulfill the duties of prime minister of the Taliban government. Akhund is reportedly unwell and is undergoing treatment. In 2001, Kabir served as the acting prime minister for the Taliban government right before the collapse of the group’s first reign. During his tenure with the Taliban, Kabir has plotted deadly bombings, facilitated drug trafficking, and even took part in the peace negotiations between the U.S. and the Taliban in 2020.Ayaz Gul, “UN-Blacklisted Taliban Leader Becomes Acting Afghan Prime Minister,” Voice of America, May 17, 2023, https://www.voanews.com/a/un-blacklisted-taliban-leader-becomes-acting-afghan-prime-minister-/7097476.html.

Extremist Type
Political Leader
Types of Leaders
Extremist Entity Name
Taliban
Type[s] of Organization
Insurgent, non-state actor, regional, terrorist, transnational, violent
Type[s] of Ideology
Deobandi, Islamist, jihadist, Pashtun, Salafi, Sunni, Wahhabi
Position
Prime Minister of the Taliban government (previous)
Also Known As
Date of Birth
1955-1958 or 1945-1950
Place of Birth
Pashmul village, Panjwai District, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan
Place of Residence
Afghanistan
Citizenship
Afghan
Current Location(s)
Afghanistan
History Timeline
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Baa_fmEIT-V2E-sLiyQp3p_mBNDv6grz-Y_Qg5reZFE/pubhtml

United Nations

  • The U.N. Security Council sanctioned Mohammad Hassan Akhund on January 25, 2001, for his leadership role in the Taliban.“Security Council 1988 Committee Amends 105 Entries on Its Sanctions List,” United Nations, November 29, 2011, https://www.un.org/press/en/2011/sc10465.doc.htm.

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On October 7, 2023, Hamas invaded southern Israel where, in the space of eight hours, hundreds of armed terrorists perpetrated mass crimes of brutality, rape, and torture against men, women and children. In the biggest attack on Jewish life in a single day since the Holocaust, 1,200 were killed, and 251 were taken hostage into Gaza—where 101 remain. One year on, antisemitic incidents have increased by record numbers. 

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