I'm an expert in international relations and geopolitics with a special focus on the history and current events of the Middle East and South Asia. I have a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding the Taliban and their impact on Afghanistan and the world.

The Taliban is a fundamentalist Islamic movement that emerged in Afghanistan in the early 1990s. They are known for their strict interpretation of Islamic law and their control over large parts of Afghanistan. Here is a detailed account of their actions and the consequences:

Formation and Ideology:
The Taliban originated among the Pashtun refugees in Pakistan after the Soviet-Afghan War. Influenced by the Deobandi school of thought, they advocated for a return to a pure and strict form of Islam. Their ideology is deeply rooted in Pashtunwali, the traditional Pashtun code of conduct, which emphasizes honor, hospitality, and revenge.

Rise to Power:
In the power vacuum that followed the Soviet withdrawal and the collapse of the Afghan communist government, the Taliban quickly gained support by promising to restore order and security. They captured Kabul in 1996 and established the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, ruling with a harsh interpretation of Sharia law.

Governance and Human Rights:
The Taliban's rule was characterized by severe restrictions on civil liberties, particularly for women and religious minorities. Women were denied education and employment, and public executions, stonings, and amputations were common punishments for those accused of violating their strict laws.

Harboring of Extremist Groups:
The Taliban regime became infamous for providing sanctuary to Osama bin Laden and the al-Qaeda network, which was responsible for the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States. This led to international condemnation and ultimately to military intervention.

US-Led Intervention and Fall:
Following the 9/11 attacks, the United States, along with a coalition of international forces, launched Operation Enduring Freedom to dismantle the Taliban regime and capture bin Laden. The Taliban were quickly driven from power, but many of their leaders, including Mullah Omar, remained at large.

Post-2001 Activities:
Despite losing formal control of the country, the Taliban continued to wage an insurgency against the US-backed Afghan government. They used guerrilla warfare tactics and targeted both Afghan security forces and civilians, causing significant instability.

Peace Talks and Resurgence:
In recent years, there have been attempts at peace talks and negotiations, but these have been fraught with challenges. The Taliban's resurgence has been attributed to various factors, including the withdrawal of international forces and the perceived corruption and ineffectiveness of the Afghan government.

Current Situation:
As of my last update, the situation in Afghanistan remains fluid, with the Taliban exerting significant influence in many regions. The international community continues to grapple with the implications of their actions and the future of Afghanistan.

The actions of the Taliban have had profound and lasting effects on Afghanistan and the broader international community. Their strict interpretation of Islamic law, human rights abuses, and harboring of extremist groups have shaped their legacy and the world's response to them.

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The Taliban in Afghanistan were accused of providing a sanctuary to Osama Bin Laden and the al-Qaeda movement who were blamed for the attacks. Soon after 9/11 the Taliban were driven from power in Afghanistan by a US-led coalition, although their leader Mullah Mohammad Omar was not captured.read more >>