Gen - What is the Taliban?

greenspun.com : LUSENET : Current News : One Thread

ET

Reforming zeal out to kill ancient heritage By Anton La Guardia, Diplomatic Editor

THE Taliban, or "Students", emerged as an organised force in Kandahar, Afghanistan, in 1994.

The group, comprising Afghans trained in religious schools in Pakistan and former Islamic fighters, or Mujahideen, soon took control of Kandahar and two years later ruled Kabul.

The Taliban earned popularity by ending fighting among rival militia and tribal groups, stamping out crime and, seemingly, rejecting interference by outside powers which had made Afghanistan the setting for a new "Great Game" in Central Asia. They control about 90 per cent of Afghanistan.

Inspired by the Wahhabi ideology of Saudi Arabia and the Muslim Brotherhood that originated in Egypt in the 19th century, the Taliban imposed a social code banning frivolities such as television and music. Regulations banning girls from school and women from working quickly brought them into conflict with the outside world.

The Taliban's quest for a pure Islamic state has gone a step further with the attack on the remains of Buddhist culture that preceded Islam. Buddhism was at its height in Afghanistan in the third to the fifth centuries, when Bamiyan flourished on the Silk Road. From Bamiyan - where the giant Buddhas being destroyed stand - monks radiated into China and Central Asia, even travelling as far as Japan.

Protected by the Hindu Kush mountains, Bamiyan was the last Buddhist stronghold when Muslims conquered India and survived until the 12th centur

-- Anonymous, March 02, 2001


Moderation questions? read the FAQ