RASC News Agency: Bakhtiar Irgashev, the director of the Manu Research Center in Uzbekistan, recently addressed the Taliban group’s purported intentions to instigate a water conflict in the region. In an interview with the Padrauna News Agency on Saturday, January 27th, Mr. Irgashev underscored that water has now emerged as a pivotal geopolitical asset and bargaining chip in the area.
He specifically cited the construction of the Qosh Tepa Canal in northern Afghanistan as an illustration of the Taliban’s pursuit of water-related geopolitical strategies. Afghanistan currently grapples with several water-related challenges, including disputes with Iran over the Hirmand River’s flow and issues along the Kunar River, which delineates the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Mr. Irgashev further contended that the Taliban group has essentially commenced a conflict disguised as a water dispute. These assertions arise amidst the Taliban’s active involvement in advancing the Qosh Tepa Canal project over the past few years.
This initiative involves redirecting a segment of the Amu River’s water to the provinces of Balkh, Jawzjan, and Faryab in the north. The director of the Manu Research Center’s remarks shed light on the Taliban’s strategic emphasis on water-related endeavors and their potential ramifications for regional stability and security.
