Taliban

The Taliban is a Deobandi Islamist fundamentalist political and military organization currently ruling Afghanistan. They rose to prominence in the mid-1990s during the Afghan civil war and controlled most of the country from 1996 to 2001, imposing a strict interpretation of Sharia law. They were ousted from power by the US-led invasion following the 9/11 attacks but regained control in 2021. Recent news highlights several aspects of their current rule. They are reportedly holding a U.S.-Afghan citizen, which they deny, while also expressing a willingness to release U.S. prisoners in exchange for an Afghan inmate at Guantanamo Bay. Their policies are impacting daily life, as evidenced by the detention and subsequent release of a female athlete for operating a women's sports gym. The Taliban's governance also has international implications, with concerns raised about border security with Tajikistan and China's involvement. Despite their restrictive policies, some Afghan startups are innovating with blockchain technology, even for humanitarian aid.