Who are the Taliban?

On August 15, 2021, the fundamentalist Islamic force called the Taliban entered Kabul after gaining control over much of the country following the withdrawal of US troops.

Highlights

• Taliban had ruled Afghanistan from 1996 until 2001 when US troops toppled.
• This group had sheltered Osama bin Laden as he planned the 9/11 attack of 2001.
• Taliban’s control over Afghanistan now poses a new threat to entire political and social order of the US as well as its allies.

About Taliban

The Islamic force called Taliban were founded in southern Afghanistan. Mullah Mohammad Omar was the founder of the group. He was a member of the Pashtun tribe who became a mujahideen commander. He helped in pushing Soviets out of the country in 1989. Later in 1994, Mullah Omar formed the group in Kandahar comprising of 50 followers. They captured Kandahar & seized Kabul in 1996 and imposed strict Islamic rules. These rules banned television & music, stopped girls from going to school and forced women to wear burqas.

Why US troops invaded them?

American troops invaded Afghanistan in 2001 and toppled Taliban’s control when Taliban refused U.S. demand to hand over bin Laden.

Why Taliban is fighting?

The Taliban are fighting against U.S.-backed government in Kabul. They seek to reimpose their strict version of Islam in Afghanistan.

Who is the leader of the Taliban in Afghanistan?

Mawlawi Haibatullah Akhundzada, who is a Pashtun from Kandahar, is currently the leader of Taliban in Afghanistan. Taliban have set up a council of leaders based in Pakistan called Quetta Shura. It guides the group’s decisions.

How do they fund themselves?

The Taliban makes money by Afghanistan’s illegal drug trade. They impose taxes on poppy growers and heroin producers in the areas of Afghanistan it controls. They also impose taxes on businesses and operate illegal mines. Besides, it receives funding from supporters in Pakistan and the Gulf.

Month: Current Affairs - August, 2021