Akhund continues his argument with Khan. “It is hypocrisy for our leaders to sit in Qatar with the Americans and then to ask me to shoot these kafirs in the face in Afghanistan,” says Akhund. Khan replies that Akhund, Abdullah, and the others should not worry about the insurgent leadership betraying the jihad. “Our leaders would not cheat the blood of thousands of martyred Taliban who have sacrificed themselves for us,” says Khan. “We have to talk to the Americans because they are the real opponent, not the puppet [Afghan President Hamid] Karzai.” “This year and next are very significant for the jihad,” Khan adds. “We have the upper hand so we have to keep on fighting.”

Akhund seems to be more of a realist. He argues with Khan that the fight will be longer and harder than he thinks. “You and others think that as soon as the foreigners withdraw [at the end of 2014] the Kabul regime will collapse,” says Akhund. “But be careful, this may not be the case. Kabul may be stronger than we think.” Akhund knows how tough the going has been for his men in Helmand ever since the US Marines arrived there in force in 2010. “Last year and the year before we became weaker because the villagers became tired of the war,” Akhund says. “When we do not have local support it is not easy for the Taliban to operate in the area.” “As long as the Taliban are in Qatar talking peace I swear I will not go to the jihad,” Akhund adds with emotion.

Khan had heard enough. As the sun was setting a visibly angry Khan told Akhund: “You’d better repent your views or Allah will become very angry at you.” Then Khan warned him: “And do not talk that way in front of villagers.”

According to Zabihullah, this open disarray in the Taliban’s ranks is widespread, from top to bottom, and is even upsetting senior commanders’ strategic plans for the upcoming fighting season.