Taliban

Taliban A radical Islamic group of militias in Afghanistan formed by former Afghan refugees in Pakistan in 1994. By 1996 they controlled most of Afghanistan, including the capital, Kabul. Acting on their radical interpretation of the Quran, the freedom of movement and of education of girls and women were extremely restricted, and female employment became very limited. Intellectuals were imprisoned or killed, and all aspects of ‘modern’ culture (cinemas, radios, etc.) were banned. Hundreds of thousands were killed during their rule on account of their tribal affiliation, religion, or opinions. In 1999 alone an estimated 100,000 people, mostly Tadzhiks, were driven from their homes. Much of the leadership of this fragmented movement was provided by Osama Bin Laden and his al-Qaeda network. As a result, the Taliban became complicit in the September 11 attacks, and were swept from power in the ensuing War on Terrorism, when US military support allowed the Afghan opposition to regain power.