Abstract
The rise of the Haqqani group to eminence was amplified by US-support during the Afghan jihad against the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. However, with the consolidation of Taliban supremacy in the post-Soviet era, the Haqqanis were marginally side-lined for being non-Kandaharis. Owing to this identity-clash with the Taliban, they were eager to switch sides. The focus of this article is, therefore, retrospective as it presents an empirically-grounded analysis of the US-Haqqanis relationship to argue that identity and prestige have always been the core concerns for Haqqanis. The US was unable to recognize Haqqanis’ potential as a local partner due to the lack of knowledge about the complex tribal identity dynamics of Afghanistan. Taking Haqqanis on board would have augmented the stability and legitimacy of the Afghan government in the post-2001 era. This also has implications for the current Afghan peace process as the backing of Haqqanis for the US-Taliban deal has ensured a wider support-base for the deal. Hence, the US needs to be cognizant of the tribal identity landscape of Afghanistan for lasting peace in the region.