The Taliban is an ultraconservative political and religious faction that ruled Afghanistan from 1996 until 2001. They came into power after the withdrawal of Soviet troops, the collapse of Afghanistan’s communist regime, and the subsequent breakdown in civil order. Members of the faction consisted mostly of students trained in madrasahs (Islamic religious schools) that were established for Afghan refugees in northern Pakistan.

The Taliban has the support of Afghanistan’ southern Pashtun ethnic group and some conservative Islamic elements abroad. In 1996, the Taliban, under the leadership of Mullah Muhammad Omar, seized control of Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul, and implemented a strict interpretation of Islamic law. Non-Pashtun ethnic groups such as the Tajik, Uzbek and Hazara opposed the Taliban regime. Despite the resistance, the Taliban controlled most of the country until they were driven from power by the U.S. forces and the allied powers.

The Taliban is known for allowing Afghanistan to be a haven for Islamic militants such as Osama bin Laden and for its rigid policies, including the exclusion of women from employment and education, and the implementation of harsh criminal punishments.

The Taliban was ousted as a consequence of their refusal to extradite bin Laden to the United States after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon.