Wilayah Khorasan and Its Regional Implications

Abstract

This paper provides a comprehensive account of Islamic State’s presence in its self-proclaimed Wilayah Khorasan over the territories of Afghanistan and Pakistan. It further examines the competing Jihadi groups; Al-Qaeda, Afghan Taliban and Islamic State of Khorasan (ISK), that exist and challenge each other in South Asia. This paper analyzes the responses of local jihadi groups towards or against the rise of ISK by illustrating the key factors which determines why and how any group cooperates with the other. Based on the activities, strength and progress of Wilayah Khorasan in Afghanistan and Pakistan, this study highlights the potential threat that it currently poses to these states and to the regional stability in future and suggests practical recommendations in order to counter this emerging challenge.