Taliban

The Taliban is a predominantly Pashtun, Sunni Islamist political and militant movement that emerged in Afghanistan in the early 1990s and returned to power in 2021.

The Taliban is a predominantly Pashtun, Sunni Islamist political and militant movement that emerged in Afghanistan in the early 1990s. It returned to power in 2021 and governs Afghanistan as the de facto authorities. The group is known for imposing a strict interpretation of Islamic law and sharply restricting rights, especially for women and girls.

Origins

The Taliban formed in the early 1990s in Afghanistan amid civil war and state collapse. The movement drew support from Pashtun areas and from religious seminaries, and its name means 'students' in Pashto.

Rule in Afghanistan

The Taliban controlled most of Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 and returned to power in August 2021. Since then, it has operated as the country's de facto governing authority from Kabul.

Ideology and governance

The Taliban's ideology combines Deobandi-influenced Sunni Islamism with Pashtun nationalism and traditionalist social norms. In practice, its government has enforced strict religious rules and limited political pluralism.

International status

The Taliban is not widely recognized as a legitimate government by many states and remains a major subject of international concern. Its rule has drawn criticism for human-rights abuses and restrictions on education and public life.