Much attention on the hasty US withdrawal, but this is a collapse of political institutions. The state lost its remaining legitimacy. This had been eroding for years. US aid fed the state but undermined its connection to people. Domestic politics is the primary driver.
Taliban gained momentum by pointing out the grotesque corruption and rentier nature of the Afghan state. They could draw a contrast. They called the Aghan government puppets.
Taliban public statements show they have a clear understanding of grievances. They understand what was wrong with the Ghani government. Their public statements try to assure people of their security and dignity. They speak in terms of accommodation.
These are words-not actions. What has changed is that they have a far keener sense of grievances than before. Their PR hones in on the maladies with the Ghani government. They promised no harm to those who surrendered.
Now that the US is gone, opposition now has more credibility to turn the tables on the Taliban as clients of Pakistan and gulf states. Unclear how Taliban will govern as state. Their rhetoric and military strategy evolved. Not clear how or if their governance will evolve.
But vital to underscore that the US chose who it supported in Afghanistan. It chose how much support it would give. The US made very bad choices for a very long time and emboldened these forces that tore apart the state.
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