Russia, Iran ties with Taliban stoke Afghan anxiety - AFP

[TomSea]

Russia, Iran ties with Taliban stoke Afghan anxiety

Allegations over Russia and Iran's deepening ties with the Taliban have ignited concerns of a renewed "Great Game" of proxy warfare in Afghanistan that could undermine US-backed troops and push the country deeper into turmoil.

Moscow and Tehran insist their contact with insurgents is aimed at promoting regional security, but local and US officials who are already frustrated with Pakistan's perceived double-dealing in Afghanistan have expressed bitter scepticism.

Washington's long-time nemesis Iran is accused of covertly aiding the Taliban, and Russia is back to what observers call Cold War shenanigans to derail US gains at a time when uncertainty reigns over President-elect Donald Trump's Afghanistan policy.

Read More At: https://www.yahoo.com/news/russia-iran-ties-taliban-stoke-afghan-anxiety-040857785.html

[TomSea]

We basically ran into Iran and Syria aid too, to what the US was fighting in Iraq; and now, there may be a proxy war again. Taliban is Sunni.