Taliban
The Taliban is an Islamist political and military movement that ruled most of Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 and returned to power in 2021.
Afghan Civil War (1992–1996): A conflict among Afghan factions that followed the Soviet-backed government’s collapse and preceded the Taliban’s first rise to power. Factional conflict and insecurity created the conditions for the Taliban’s expansion.
Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan: The state proclaimed by the Taliban, first in 1996 and again after its return to power in 2021. This is the governing structure through which the movement claims state authority.
Mullah Omar: The Taliban’s founding leader, who served as its supreme commander during its first period in power. His authority unified the movement during its initial rise and first government.
Northern Alliance: A coalition of Afghan factions that opposed Taliban rule and allied with the United States in 2001. It was the Taliban’s principal armed rival during its first government.
Women in Afghanistan: Women’s social, political, and economic lives in Afghanistan, shaped by changing laws, conflict, and governments. Restrictions imposed under Taliban rule have sharply limited women’s education and public participation.
Soviet–Afghan War: A 1979–1989 war in which Soviet forces fought Afghan insurgents supported by several foreign governments. Its aftermath left Afghanistan divided, armed, and politically unstable.
Emir: A title for a leader or commander in Muslim societies, with meanings shaped by historical and political context. The Taliban’s supreme leader holds the title of emir and exercises ultimate authority.
Hibatullah Akhundzada: The Taliban’s supreme leader since 2016, who became its head of state after its 2021 return to power. His leadership defines the movement’s present hierarchy and political direction.
Islamic State–Khorasan Province: The Islamic State’s regional affiliate in Afghanistan and neighboring areas, established in 2015. The group competes with the Taliban and rejects its claim to legitimate rule.
Afghan refugees: People who have fled Afghanistan because of conflict, persecution, or insecurity. Taliban rule and recurring conflict have contributed to repeated waves of displacement.