Taliban (Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan)

The Taliban, officially known as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, is an Islamist political and military group that seeks to establish a government based on their interpretation of Islamic law. Originating in the 1990s, they took control of Afghanistan in 1996 and again in 2021 after the U.S. military withdrawal. Their rule is characterized by strict social codes, restrictions on women’s rights, and an emphasis on religious law. The international community generally regards their governance as controversial, especially due to human rights concerns. The group's influence remains significant in Afghanistan's political landscape, shaping its laws and societal norms.