The+Taliban

 The Taliban // Introductory Assignment: The Kite Runner //

//What is the Taliban?//
 The Taliban is a Muslim fundamentalist which gained power in Afghanistanin 1996 and ruled until the 2001 invasion by the U.S. The displacement of the Taliban from its position of power in 2001 destabilized the organization, but it has continued to be active throughout Afghanistan. The word taliban comes from the Arabic word talib, which means "student". The original members of the taliban were religious students who developed a very conservative interpretation of Islamic law. The organization was founded by Mullah Mohammed Omar. The taliban took advantage of the constant civil wars occurring in Afghanistan. The taliban rose to power with promises of an end to the constant civil wars and managed to take control of most of Afghanistan. The taliban’s rise to power was welcomed by the Afghan people, but there media type="custom" key="9538442" width="130" height="130" align="right"conservative interpretation of Muslim traditions and values as well as their failure to carry out their promises resulted in decreasing popularity with the people. Under the taliban rule, women’s rights were extremely restricted, in fact most governments refused to recognize the taliban as a legitimate government due to horrific human rights violations which took place.

The Rise of the Taliban:
 The Taliban organization is a well established group of Afghan terrorist and a religion force. Ninety percent of Afghanistan is controlled by them. Due to the amount of power that they hold, they have access to endless amounts of weapons. The Taliban regime afflicts fear and terror at the expense of the Afghan citizens protection, which tentatively holds the nation under their power. In order for the people of Afghanistan to protect themselves and their families, they obey the Taliban's commands. After the civil war, the goals were to restore peace, defend the integrity and Islamic character in Afghanistan. Because of the rise in a disrupting revolution, rebel groupsseized higher power than government rule. Women recieve harsh treatment of the Sharia law that is strictly enforced by the Taliban.

//Video- Infrastructure://
Not only does this video demonstrate the how the Taliban gains contributors, but it outlines the basic infrastructure, or organization of the Taliban.

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[[image:hrlibrary:taliban_flag.png width="271" height="176" align="right"]]
Taliban Reputation: //Internationally: //
 * Prior to 9/11 terrorist attack, the Taliban's main supporters were Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. After the attack, both countries became partners in the U.S.-led war on terrorism.
 * The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan were the only countries to recognize the taliban as a legitimate government.
 * Western governments as well as anti-Taliban regimes within Afghanistan have countered the Taliban through varying tactics since 2001.
 * In later years, the Taliban became increasingly isolated and faced severe UN Security Council sanctions.
 * In October 1999, the UN Security Council imposed sanctions against the Taliban and al-Qaeda, freexing funds and restricting travel of the groups' members.
 * Since the election of new leaders and the establishment of a new constitution, the government of Afghanistan has been trying to improve its legitimacy.

//Afghan Opinion://
In present day, areas where the government is seen to be present, the vast majority of Afghans encourage the government and feel the country is better due to it. The Taliban tends to gain populatiry in regions which lack control by police or the international forces.
 * Initial reaction to the Taliban gaining power was not entirely negative. Inface, many Afghan citizens welcomed the change with excitement.
 * New leaders brought stability to Afghanistan, reducing the infighting between warlords that have devistated the country for years.
 * The rigid social standards and the traditional interprestation of Islamic law that the Taliban enforced lead to resentment.
 * Factions opposed to the Taliban's policies in northern Afghanistan formed the Northern Alliance, which assisted the U.S. forces after 9/11.



The Rise of the Taliban Key Timeline:

 * 1979 The Soviet Union invades Afghanistan
 * 1980 Pakistan, China, Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia form a gang of troops called the "freedom fighters" as they begin a war against the soviets [[image:http://www.sashastone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/9-11.jpg width="129" height="266" align="right"]]
 * 1988 The soviet union leaves
 * 1992 Freedom fighters remove soviet based government
 * 1993 Lawlessness is rampant in the towns and cities
 * 1994 The Taliban (freedom fighters) are appointed power toprotect trades, and quickly emerge as a power symbol in Afghanistan.
 * 1995 The Taliban, under the leadership of Mullah Muhammad Omar,seize control of Kabul and implement a strict interpretation ofIslamic law. They exile President Rabbani and execute Najibullah.
 * 1996 the Taliban offers refugee to Osama Bin-laden as a leader
 * 1997 The Taliban attempted to capture several cities and towns,taking control of farms, business, and people. Forcing families offof land, into poverished urban areas and dismissing some culturalbeliefs.
 * 1998 The US attempts to bomb suspected Bin Laden bases.
 * 1999 The Taliban takes over Mazari Shariff, and there is anundocumented amount of mass murders and repercussions, especiallyagainst the Hazara religious group.
 * 2000 Civil War and Drought pushes over 2000,000 afghisitans intorefugee camps.
 * 2001The taliban blows up Buddhist cliffs statues in bambina. -Taliban bans Internet, playing cards, computers, movies, satellites,musical chessboards and TV’s - They arrest and murder eightforeign-aid workers. - They suicide bombed the world trade centre,and the pentagon.

Recent Activity:


"Pakistan taliban Threaten Attacks after Bin Laden's Killing"
 * "Taliban Control Spreads in Afghanistan"
 * "Taliban Tunnel Jailbreak Account Reveals Initial Setbacks"
 * "Taliban attack U.S. Consulate Vehicle in Pakistan"

References
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #ff0000; display: block; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">﻿http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-taliban.htm
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