Pakistan, Jan. 15 -- Afghanistan's Taliban leadership faces serious internal divisions, with the government now split into two rival factions. The split pits hardline leaders in Quandahar against relatively pragmatic officials in Kabul. A leaked audio of Taliban chief Hibatullah Akhundzada warned that this divide could threaten the Islamic Emirate.

The Quandahar faction, led by Akhundzada, seeks a strict Islamic state. They oppose women's education and jobs and restrict modern technology, including the internet. This faction controls security forces and arms distribution, consolidating power away from Kabul.

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Conversely, the Kabul faction, including Interior Minister Sirajuddin...