Taliban Set To Name New Leader To Head Afghanistan Gov't

The Taliban is preparing to establish a new Islamic government in Afghanistan after the US withdrawal. Sheikh Haibatullah Akhundzada, the Taliban’s top religious leader, will be the country’s supreme leader, according to a Taliban official, Melina Delkic reported for the New York Times.

Photo Insert: Sheikh Haibatullah Akhundzada

Sheikh Haibatullah will be the supreme authority of the new Islamic government, with a role similar to that of Iran’s supreme leader.

Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, a co-founder of the Taliban, was expected to be in charge of day-to-day affairs as head of government. An announcement on the appointments could come as early as Thursday.

The new government will face huge challenges, including growing humanitarian and economic crises. It will be strapped for cash as funds are cut off by the US and international lenders, and as foreign governments debate whether to recognize the Taliban.

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