Thu Feb 27 09:18:11 UTC 2025: ## From Afghanistan to Gaza: A Warning About the Resurgence of Global Terrorism

**SRINAGAR, INDIA –** A former General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Srinagar-based 15 Corps has issued a stark warning about the potential for a resurgence of global terrorism, drawing parallels between the rise of Al-Qaeda after the Soviet-Afghan War and the current volatile geopolitical climate. The author, who also serves as Chancellor of the Central University of Kashmir and a member of the National Disaster Management Authority, argues that the world’s focus on major conflicts like the war in Ukraine overlooks simmering tensions with potentially catastrophic consequences.

The analysis traces Al-Qaeda’s origins to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, highlighting the role of US, Saudi Arabian, and Pakistani support for the mujahideen. The subsequent withdrawal of Soviet forces and later, US forces, created a power vacuum exploited by Osama bin Laden, transforming the anti-Soviet movement into a global jihadist network. The author emphasizes that this pattern—a post-conflict power vacuum leading to extremism—is not unique. The rise of ISIS following the US withdrawal from Iraq serves as another example, alongside instability in various African nations.

The current situation in Gaza, the author argues, poses a similar risk. The devastation and hopelessness among Palestinians create fertile ground for extremist recruitment. While there’s no formal link between Palestinian groups and ISIS, the author warns that Hamas, under pressure, could shift its stance and cooperate with ISIS. The recent presence of Hamas representatives at an event in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir alongside members of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed is cited as evidence of growing transnational terrorist networks.

The author concludes with a cautionary note. While global attention is focused on major conflicts, smaller conflicts and seemingly insignificant events can quickly escalate into major crises. The potential for resurgence of ISIS in Syria and the ongoing threat from Al-Shabab and Boko Haram in Africa are highlighted. The piece serves as a call for greater strategic focus on seemingly minor conflicts, emphasizing their potential to destabilize global security in unforeseen ways.

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