The Taliban, also known as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, is a Sunni Islamist organization that emerged in the early 1990s. Primarily composed of Pashtuns, with some Tajik and Uzbek members, the group's ideology blends Deobandi Islamic fundamentalism and Pashtun nationalism. The name "Taliban" translates to "students" in Pashto, reflecting its origins among religious students in Afghan and Pakistani madrasas. The group aimed to establish an Islamic state in Afghanistan.
The Taliban controlled approximately 90% of Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001, enforcing a strict interpretation of Sharia law. Their policies were widely condemned for human rights abuses, particularly against women and minorities. After being overthrown by a U.S.-led invasion in 2001 following the September 11 attacks, the Taliban waged a 20-year insurgency. By August 2021, the Taliban regained control of Kabul as international troops withdrew, leading to a resurgence of restrictive policies, economic challenges, and concerns over terrorism. The Taliban's government is largely unrecognized by the international community and has been criticized for restricting human rights, especially those of women, including their rights to work and education.
