Since the resurgence of the Taliban’s control over Afghanistan, occasional audio tapes of Mullah Hibatullah, the leader of the Taliban, have been released by the group’s spokespersons. Just a few days ago, an audio file containing discouraging messages from him was broadcast. In a speech at a gathering of the Taliban leaders, he adopted an anti-Western posture. He criticized the “infidels” who are hostile to the “Islamic system” and seek to destroy it. He continued to insist on his previous positions, claiming that women’s rights have been fully observed under the Taliban regime, and women have never been as fortunate in the country as they are now. He once again spoke about the necessity of aligning Sharia law with the Taliban’s interpretation and informed the people that in the future, punishments such as whipping and stoning will be carried out in public. While some Taliban punishments are currently executed in public, efforts are made to prevent the broadcast and dissemination of videos of these scenes to the public.
Collectively, whenever an audio message from the Taliban leader is released, it not only fails to alleviate the concerns and fears of the people but exacerbates these anxieties and worries.
The perennial question has always been: why has the Taliban leader not yet revealed his face to the people and spoken directly to his “subjects” with his complete identity, choosing instead to only make his voice heard? Isn’t it logical for the Taliban leader, to convey his messages to the people and gain influence among them, to step out of seclusion, engage with them face-to-face, and in this way, earn their trust and confidence?
Security Concerns and Charismatic Leadership in the Taliban:
Before assuming leadership of the Taliban, the current leader was not a highly influential figure within the group and did not have a significant executive role. It was believed that the military commanders of the Taliban preferred his leadership as they thought his ascension would not diminish their power and capabilities, ensuring they retained control. However, Mullah Hibatullah gradually consolidated his power after taking leadership, asserting control over all major decisions following the Taliban’s resurgence. The Taliban organization is structured in a way that places the leader at the top of the power hierarchy, and crucial decisions are not made without his approval. Even key figures like Sirajuddin Haqqani and Mullah Yaqoob recognized as his deputies within the Taliban, cannot challenge him.
Given Mullah Hibatullah’s significance in the Taliban’s leadership hierarchy, ensuring his security is a top priority for the group. Those responsible for protecting him have not yet concluded that his life is not seriously endangered, allowing him to appear in public, and his images and videos to be disseminated. This is in contrast to Sirajuddin Haqqani, who remains under pursuit by the U.S., yet has been willing to publish photos and videos, revealing his identity to the public.
Currently, the U.S. is in a state of reconciliation with the Taliban, sending weekly cash aid ranging from $40 to $80 million to Afghanistan, contributing to the economic stability of the Taliban administration. From the American perspective, there is no imminent threat to the Taliban leaders. Nevertheless, internal disputes within the Taliban cannot be overlooked. During the selection of Mullah Akhtar Mansoor as the successor to Mullah Omar, claims were made by factions opposing Mansoor, suggesting that Mansoor poisoned Mullah Omar. Even if these claims are false, they still highlight a lack of complete trust among different Taliban factions. The Taliban is composed of various groups and spectrums, and currently, they believe that the organization is dependent on the presence of its leader. If the leader’s position weakens, the entire structure of the organization will falter, causing harm to all. Despite this, tensions and conflicts may escalate, as seen during Mullah Akhtar Mansoor’s election. Considering these factors, Mullah Hibatullah’s intense protection, limited accessibility by Kabul-based Taliban leaders, his reluctance to reveal his face, and the establishment of a special force for his protection could be a result of his distrust of other Taliban factions.
The presence of ISIS-K in Afghanistan remains one of the Taliban’s major concerns. This group has succeeded in eliminating prominent Taliban leaders in several instances. Despite some weakening in the activities of ISIS-K, recent operations in Iran and Pakistan indicate that the group is still a significant threat. If the Taliban leader reveals his face, ISIS elements could easily identify him. For individuals who perceive a threat to their lives, unveiling their identity can be hazardous.
Enhancing Charisma:
The seclusion of Mullah Hibatullah might be a skillful manipulation of mass psychology. When a figure remains hidden among the masses, alongside the potential threat to their life, their charisma may diminish. People, in the absence of a visible presence, rely on imagination and speculation. This approach allows for easy manipulation and the instillation of fear or hope.
Historical accounts suggest that Hasan Sabbah, during his thirty-year presence in the Alamut Castle, ventured onto the roof of his house only twice. It appears that he skillfully gauged the pulse of the people and understood their psyche well. Similarly, the Taliban aims to enhance the dignity and strength of their leader by keeping his face hidden. Mullah Omar, the founder of the Taliban, never allowed photos or videos of himself to surface, with only occasional broadcasts of his voice. From rare interviews that have survived, it is evident that he was an uneducated and narrow-minded individual. Such a person, if presented in public, would lose the dignity he possessed, and his charisma would fade away.
Mullah Hibatullah’s effort to conceal his face and distance himself from the people initially led some analysts to speculate that an individual with his characteristics did not exist at all. However, over the past two and a half years, evidence has emerged that Mullah Hibatullah daily meets with hundreds of people who come to his residence from all over Afghanistan. He listens to their concerns and conveys his messages to them. Clues and evidence suggest that Mullah Hibatullah exists but is under heavy protection, unwilling to have his photos or videos made public. Audio files from his speeches reveal his adherence to traditional values, presenting himself as a spokesperson for religious teachings. He frequently references verses, hadiths, and the words of prominent figures, attempting to infuse a religious aura into every point he makes. His analysis of the situation is akin to the perspective of an individual who has led a great war to victory. His tone against America and Europe is mocking and aggressive. He refrains from criticizing the Taliban and urges his subordinates not to allow open criticism, as he believes public criticism weakens the “Islamic system.” Criticism should be face-to-face and private, according to his beliefs.