The Pakistani Taliban (TTP), once one of the world's most potent and deadly terrorist groups before being degraded by Pakistani counterterrorism operations, is making a comeback.
Its new leader has reunited TTP splinter groups, and the organization--now based in Afghanistan-- has claimed a series of recent attacks in Pakistan.
What accounts for the TTP's resurgence, what are the implications for Pakistan and Afghanistan, and what might the US withdrawal from Afghanistan mean for TTP prospects? And how has the Pakistani government responded to a resurgent TTP?
The latest episode of The AfPak File addresses these questions and more. Joining the discussion are Kamran Bokhari, director for analytical development at the Newslines Institute for Strategy and Policy; Daud Khattak, senior editor for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Radio Mashaal; and Michael Kugelman, senior associate for South Asia at the Wilson Center.
Muhammad Tahir, Washington, DC media manager for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, moderates the discussion.