The Taliban

The Taliban is a radical Islamist group that emerged in Afghanistan in the early 1990s. It seeks to establish a government based on its interpretation of Islamic law, or Sharia. The group gained power in Afghanistan in 1996 but was ousted by U.S.-led forces in 2001 after the 9/11 attacks, which they were harboring Al-Qaeda for. The Taliban has been involved in a protracted conflict in Afghanistan, returning to power in 2021 as U.S. troops withdrew. Their rule is characterized by strict social policies, particularly affecting women’s rights and freedom of expression.