I'm an expert in international relations and geopolitical studies. I have a deep understanding of various political movements and their impact on global affairs. Let's delve into the definition of the Taliban.

The Taliban is a term that has been used to describe a complex and multifaceted group that originated in Afghanistan. It is essential to understand that the Taliban is not a monolithic entity but rather a network of individuals and factions with varying degrees of influence and alignment. The movement emerged in the early 1990s, in the aftermath of the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan and during the ensuing power vacuum and civil war.

The Taliban began as a group of religious students, or "Taliban," which means "students" in Pashto, one of Afghanistan's primary languages. They were trained in religious schools, or madrassas, often funded by foreign sources, where they were taught a strict interpretation of Islam. This strict interpretation is often referred to as fundamentalist, implying a return to the original, fundamental principles of the religion.

The movement quickly gained momentum and support, particularly among the Pashtun ethnic group, which constitutes the largest ethnic group in Afghanistan. The Taliban promised to bring order and stability to a country that had been ravaged by war and was suffering from extreme poverty and lack of basic services. Their initial rise to power was facilitated by a combination of factors, including dissatisfaction with the existing warlords, a desire for law and order, and a commitment to a strict interpretation of Islamic law.

In 1996, the Taliban took control of Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, and declared it the capital of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. They established a regime that was characterized by a rigid enforcement of their interpretation of Islamic law, which included severe restrictions on women's rights, public executions, and a ban on many forms of entertainment and cultural expression.

However, the Taliban's rule was not uncontested. They faced opposition from various factions within Afghanistan, including the Northern Alliance, which was composed of various ethnic groups and warlords who opposed Taliban rule. This period of civil war and conflict was further complicated by the involvement of regional and international powers, each with their own interests in the region.

The situation changed dramatically after the events of September 11, 2001, when the United States and its allies launched Operation Enduring Freedom in response to the terrorist attacks. The U.S.-led coalition forces, along with Afghan groups opposed to the Taliban, quickly overthrew the Taliban regime, leading to its retreat into rural areas and mountains.

In the years since, the Taliban have continued to wage an insurgency against the Afghan government and international forces. Their tactics have included suicide bombings, assassinations, and other forms of guerrilla warfare. Despite significant efforts to stabilize the country and build a democratic government, Afghanistan has remained a challenging environment, with the Taliban maintaining a significant presence in many parts of the country.

It is important to note that the Taliban is not just a military force but also a political and social movement with a complex network of supporters and sympathizers. While their ideology is rooted in a strict interpretation of Islam, the group's actions and objectives are influenced by a range of factors, including ethnic, tribal, and regional dynamics.

In conclusion, the Taliban is a complex and evolving entity that has had a profound impact on Afghanistan and the broader region. Understanding the group requires a nuanced approach that takes into account its origins, motivations, and the various factors that have shaped its development and actions over time.

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proper noun. A fundamentalist Muslim movement whose militia took control of much of Afghanistan from early 1995, and in 1996 took Kabul and set up an Islamic state. The Taliban were overthrown by US-led forces and Afghan groups in 2001 following the events of September 11.read more >>