Taliban

Reagan sitting with people from the Afghanistan-Pakistan region in February 1983

Aerial view of a section of Kandahar in 2013

Afghanistan politisch 1996

Afghanistan politisch 2000

Taliban-Torkham-2001

SF Sgt Mario Vigil with SF and NA forces west of Konduz in November 2001

Taliban (Pashto: طالبان‎, "students"), officially the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, is a de facto Islamic fundamentalist political movement and military organization in Afghanistan currently holding power in the country. Originating in 1994, the Taliban emerged from the aftermath of the Afghan Civil War, gaining prominence and control with the support of segments within the Pakistani military and government, notably the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The movement initially aimed to enforce their interpretation of Islamic law upon the consolidation of power and quickly captured Kabul in 1996, declaring the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

History

The Taliban's rise to power was rapid after their formation in the early 1990s, amidst the chaos and power vacuum left by the withdrawal of Soviet forces from Afghanistan. They were largely composed of students (talib) from the Pashtun areas of eastern and southern Afghanistan who had been educated in traditional Islamic schools in Pakistan. Under the leadership of Mullah Mohammed Omar, the Taliban sought to impose a strict interpretation of Islamic law on Afghanistan, banning television, music, and cinema, restricting women's rights, and carrying out public executions and amputations for crimes.

By 1998, the Taliban controlled approximately 90% of Afghanistan but faced international condemnation for their policies on women and their harboring of terrorists, most notably Osama bin Laden and his Al-Qaeda network. Following the September 11 attacks in 2001, the United States led a coalition to overthrow the Taliban in Operation Enduring Freedom, citing their refusal to extradite bin Laden and dismantle terrorist bases in Afghanistan.

Post-2001 Insurgency

After their removal from power in late 2001, the Taliban regrouped as an insurgency movement to fight the Afghan government and the NATO-led forces. They utilized guerrilla warfare and terrorist attacks, including suicide bombings and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), to destabilize the Afghan government and challenge the presence of foreign troops in the country.

Return to Power

In August 2021, following the withdrawal of United States and NATO troops from Afghanistan, the Taliban rapidly advanced, capturing major cities and eventually Kabul, leading to the collapse of the Afghan government. The Taliban's return to power has raised significant concerns regarding human rights, especially women's rights, and the potential for Afghanistan to again become a base for international terrorism.

Ideology

The Taliban's ideology is rooted in a conservative interpretation of Islam, combined with Pashtun social and cultural norms known as Pashtunwali. They advocate for a strict implementation of Sharia law, as interpreted by their religious leaders, which includes severe penalties for violations of their moral codes. Their governance model is based on the Islamic Emirate, with the supreme leader holding both religious and political authority.

International Relations

The international community remains divided on the recognition of the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan. While some countries have engaged in dialogue or provided humanitarian aid, others have imposed sanctions and called for the protection of human rights and inclusive governance.

Impact

The Taliban's control over Afghanistan has had profound implications for the country's social fabric, economy, and international relations. The restrictions on women's rights, suppression of dissent, and harsh penal measures have drawn widespread criticism. The future of Afghanistan under Taliban rule remains uncertain, with concerns about humanitarian crises, terrorism, and regional stability.