Alwaght- Over the last few months, the news on the presence of ISIS terrorist group in Afghanistan was heard, but Afghan authorities denied the claims. However, as the clashes between ISIS and Taliban and the central government broke out, the authorities have to confirm the presence of the ISIS terrorist group in Afghanistan. But the news that Hezb-e-Islami Gulbuddin (HIG) supports ISIS in contrast between this group and the Taliban in Afghanistan was of interest to many. However, Hekmatyar's support to ISIS raised intense criticism. Consequently, after a while HIG rejected the accusations and declared that his words have been misinterpreted and HIG has never supported the ISIS. In the meantime, in several interviews Gulbuddin Hekmatyar has shown sympathy for the ISIS, and even in the official website of the HIG, he has regarded the ISIS as legitimate.
However, one may wonder that what impact does the policy of Hezb-e Islami Gulbuddin have on the current conditions of ISIS in Afghanistan?
In response to this question, it should be noted that although HIG was founded in 1977, after two years, Mulavi Younas Khalis, made a split with Hekmatyar and established his own Hezb-e Islami in 1979. The advocates of Gulbuddin Hekmatyar are known as Hezb-e-Islami Gulbuddin (Party of Islam). From its inception, the party has been in conflict with the governments in Kabul, and it was divided into multiple factions, and some influential members of HIG and even some close relatives of Hekmatyar joined the central government. This has led to the marginalization of the party, to the extent that Afghan senior official believe that HIG is no longer a key player in the political scene of Afghanistan. Therefore, whether or not this party backs ISIS, it will not make any significant differences in the reinforcement or failure of the ISIS terrorist group.
In fact, the ISIS considers Taliban and the Muslim Brotherhood as infidels and apostates, and accuses the Taliban of apostasy. In addition, according to ISIS ideology, whoever believes in democracy and confirms elections is an infidel. Hekmatyar has long been proclaiming that we should elect our political leaders through elections. Accordingly, unconfirmed reports indicate that ISIS terrorist group has refused allegiance of HIG, and has denied its membership. Basically, Hekmatyar's Party does not very much appeal to ISIS, and ISIS cannot regard Hekmatyar as a Muslim. Apart from this, Taliban also does not have a positive attitude towards the HIG; as a result this has had negative impacts on ISIS approach to HIG.
On the other hand, Hekmatyar and his party have suffered many ups and downs including conducting pro-Soviet activities, opposition to Afghanistan government, developing close ties with Iran, and it has faced many accusations such as fighting against the Islamic government in Afghanistan. Therefore, whether HIG supports or opposes to ISIS, it would not be a surprise. In fact, HIG was inclined towards the ISIS but the media and public opinion in Afghanistan put pressure on HIG; consequently, Hekmatyar's party was forced to retreat and declare that it does not give support to ISIS terrorist group.
We may conclude that as ISIS and its leaders do not approve of unstable positions of HIG, the ISIS does not seem to rely on HIG supports to this group.
