The new restraints on Taliban threats

Muslims worldwide are more opposed to violent jihadi ideology, which may help make Afghanistan less of a terrorist sanctuary.

Just ahead of the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Americans are again shocked at an event originating in distant Afghanistan. The Taliban have not only retaken power after being ousted in 2001 by the United States for harboring Al Qaeda but have done so with unexpected speed. The jihadi group easily overpowered the forces of a democracy that had weak roots in Afghan tribal culture.

Much of the shock lies...