Where Is The Afghan Taliban Leader Mullah Omar?

Mullah Mohammed Omar, pictured circa 1996. K H / Magnum Photos

‘This Mullah Omar Show’ -- Newsweek

No one’s heard from the Taliban leader in almost nine years. Now his absence is exposing dangerous fault lines within the insurgency.

A thrill coursed through the Taliban’s ranks a few weeks ago—someone was said to have seen a new video that showed Mullah Mohammed Omar in the distance, firing a Kalashnikov. The insurgents rejoiced: they hadn’t heard from their reclusive leader since late 2001, when he rode east into the Kandahar mountains on the back of his brother-in-law’s motorcycle, fleeing a storm of U.S. bombs.

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My Comment: Every insurgency needs a leader .... especially if the perception is that they are wining and that they are not far from gaining power. For the Taliban in Afghanistan, the heavy fighting that has occurred in the country this summer has raised these legitimate questions .... and if Mullah Omar does not make an appearance soon, expect the younger commanders to start jockeying for power and influence.