— Now that Osama bin Laden is dead, some analysts are speculating that al-Qaeda and its Afghan Taliban allies could go their separate ways, increasing the chances for a negotiated settlement in Afghanistan.
Osama bin Laden’s death is likely to revive a debate within the Afghan Taliban about their ties to al-Qaeda — a union the U.S. insists must end if the insurgents want to talk peace.
The foundation of their relationship is believed to be rooted in bin Laden’s long friendship with the Taliban’s reclusive one-eyed leader, Mullah Mohammed Omar, who might now find it more palatable to break with al-Qaeda and negotiate a settlement to the war. Much may depend on the newly chastened power-broker next door: Pakistan.
