October 2025
Op-ed by Naweed Kawusi, former colonel with the Afghanistan National Defense and Security Forces starting off with the Afghan Commandos in 2002, author, PEN contributor
The complex link between energy insecurity and extremism in Afghanistan is a vital issue with far-reaching consequences for regional stability, prosperity, and the environment. Despite its abundant natural resources, Afghanistan remains one of the world’s most energy insecure countries. This energy insecurity, in turn, fosters extremism, resulting in a vicious cycle of instability and stifling progress. Environmental deterioration and climate change increase the country’s issues.
One of the most obvious illustrations of how energy insecurity promotes extremism is the ongoing Kajaki Dam crisis in Helmand province. Originally built in the 1950s, the dam has the potential to provide enormous hydroelectric power. However, security concerns have hampered plans to rehabilitate and expand the dam. Insurgent groups, particularly the Taliban, have repeatedly targeted the project, thwarting efforts to increase energy delivery. This not only hurts the government’s credibility, but it also illustrates the Taliban’s capacity to interrupt development projects, cementing their position of power. Extremist groups can wield influence over local communities by controlling or limiting access to energy supplies, forcing them to conform in exchange for some semblance of stability.
The Taliban’s strategic sabotage of energy infrastructure goes beyond the Kajaki Dam. They have repeatedly targeted electricity cables and transmission towers, leaving huge districts in darkness. These attacks serve several aims, including disrupting government operations, undermining public morale, and providing propaganda successes that expose the government’s failure to sustain key services. Such approaches erode public trust in the government and exacerbate anger, providing fertile ground for extremist recruitment. The Taliban can therefore position themselves as an alternative authority capable of providing security and basic services in areas where the government has failed.
Afghanistan’s significance as a possible transit hub for regional energy projects is also important in understanding the relationship between energy insecurity and terrorism. The Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline, which aims to deliver natural gas from Turkmenistan to India via Afghanistan and Pakistan, shows this potential. The pipeline has the potential to bring major economic advantages while also improving regional energy security. However, the project’s work has been continually halted due to security concerns in Afghanistan. The Taliban and other insurgent groups see the pipeline as both a menace and an opportunity. Its eventual completion would represent a stronger central authority and greater regional collaboration, undermining the Taliban narrative. Conversely, by striking the pipeline, the Taliban may demonstrate their ability to interrupt big projects, garnering recruits and financial backing.
The environmental impact of Afghanistan’s energy insecurity complicates the situation even further. The use of traditional biomass for cooking and heating, such as wood and animal dung, contributes to deforestation, soil erosion, and the loss of agricultural land. This environmental degradation worsens poverty and food insecurity, which fuels extremism. Desperate and underprivileged populations are more vulnerable to the promises of insurgent groups, which frequently take advantage of these circumstances by portraying themselves as resource givers and community guardians.
The international community’s approach to Afghanistan’s energy insecurity has been uneven and frequently inconsistent. While substantial sums have been set aside for infrastructure development, the success of these programs is hampered by persistent violence and corruption. International aid aimed at building energy infrastructure is frequently subjected to mismanagement and corruption, perpetuating the cycle of poverty and extremism. The exit of US and NATO soldiers in 2021, combined with a decline in aid, has strained Afghanistan’s energy industry, making the country more vulnerable to energy insecurity and terrorism.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has expanded into Afghanistan, with investments aimed at connecting the country to regional economic networks. While China’s involvement has the ability to offer much-needed development, it also introduces another layer of geopolitical competition. The interaction of Chinese, Indian, and Pakistani interests in Afghanistan highlights a larger regional power struggle, with energy security at the center. The competition between these great countries frequently becomes a zero-sum game, with the pursuit of strategic benefits undermining collective efforts to stabilize and develop Afghanistan.
The broader effects of climate change exacerbate Afghanistan’s energy insecurity and radicalism. The country is extremely sensitive to the consequences of climate change, which include more frequent and severe droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events. These environmental changes endanger water resources, agriculture, and food security, exacerbating the problems of an already destitute population. As livelihoods are destroyed and communities are uprooted, extreme groups might take advantage of the upheaval to attract new members.
To end the cycle of energy insecurity and extremism in Afghanistan, a multidimensional strategy is required. Providing peace and stability is critical, as no development endeavor can flourish in an atmosphere of perpetual strife. This needs a collaborative effort by the Afghan government, regional powers, and the international community to address the core causes of instability, which includes poverty, corruption, and the influence of external actors. Investing in renewable energy sources like solar and wind power could provide long-term and decentralized energy solutions, lowering the vulnerability of energy infrastructure to insurgency attacks.
Yes, promoting regional collaboration is critical. Afghanistan’s energy security cannot be achieved in isolation; it requires cooperation from its neighbors and regional partners. Initiatives such as the TAPI pipeline should be pushed with renewed zeal, complemented by comprehensive security measures and diplomatic initiatives to reduce regional tensions. Building resilient and inclusive governance systems capable of providing basic services and maintaining infrastructure is critical for gaining the trust and support of the Afghan people.
It is critical to recognize that energy insecurity and extremism in Afghanistan are inextricably linked, producing a cycle that perpetuates instability and stifles development. Historical and contemporary events show how extreme parties use energy weaknesses to weaken and gain power. The environmental and climate implications of Afghanistan’s energy security difficulties complicate the country’s challenges. To preserve Afghanistan’s stability and prosperity, addressing these problems requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach that focuses on security, sustainable development, and regional cooperation.