What a Taliban in disarray could mean for Afghanistan and Pakistan

THE CHALLENGE to the Taliban created by the death of leader Mohammad Omar was manifest in last week’s startling revelation that the movement had covered up his death for two years. When his death did become public, there was no consensus in the Taliban about who should succeed the reclusive cleric, or what strategy it should now pursue. The new “emir” announced Friday, Akhtar Mohammad Mansour, is thought to have filled the vacuum left by Mr. Omar since his death, but his authority was quickly challenged by the brother and son of the former ruler.