Iran Providing Cash, Arms, And Training To The Afghan Taliban

Wall Street Journal: Iran Backs Taliban With Cash and Arms

Shiite Tehran has quietly boosted ties with the Sunni militant group and is now recruiting and training its fighters.

KABUL—When Abdullah, a Taliban commander in central Afghanistan, needs more rifles and ammunition, he turns to the same people who pay his $580-a-month salary: his Iranian sponsors.

“Iran supplies us with whatever we need,” he said.

Afghan and Western officials say Tehran has quietly increased its supply of weapons, ammunition and funding to the Taliban, and is now recruiting and training their fighters, posing a new threat to Afghanistan’s fragile security.

Iran’s strategy in backing the Taliban is twofold, these officials say: countering U.S. influence in the region and providing a counterweight to Islamic State’s move into the Taliban’s territory in Afghanistan.

The Taliban’s aggressive military push and the new momentum toward peace negotiations between them and Kabul also raises the possibility that some of their members could eventually return to power.

“Iran is betting on the re-emergence of the Taliban,” said a Western diplomat. “They are uncertain about where Afghanistan is heading right now, so they are hedging their bets.”

WNU Editor: The Iranians have been trying to influence Afghan affairs for years .... even giving money to former Afghan President Karzai .... Hamid Karzai admits office gets 'bags of money' from Iran (The Guardian). But what today's WSJ report is telling me is that the Iranians have now made the decision that the Taliban will return to power in one capacity or another in the next few years, and the Iranians are now trying to buy influence.

More News On Reports That Iran Is Providing Cash, Arms, And Training To The Afghan Taliban

Iran reportedly stepping up shipments of arms, cash to Taliban -- FOX News
Iran supports Afghan Taliban with cash and weapons -- Khaama Press
Iran pumps Taliban with increased cash, arms to counter U.S. influence, officials say -- Washington Times
Iran backs Taliban with cash and arms -- Market Watch
Officials say Iran is backing the Taliban with cash, weapons -- The Week