Taliban

Definition: The Taliban are an Islamic movement following a strict interpretation of Sharia that took over Afghanistan following the Soviet withdrawal. Taliban rule imposed draconian restrictions on women being allowed to work, go to school, or even leave the house -- which could only be done fully covered with a burqa and accompanied by a male relative. The Taliban granted safe haven to terrorist group al-Qaida, leading to their overthrow by a U.S.-led invasion in 2001. The Taliban have regrouped in the mountainous region straddling Pakistan and Afghanistan, and have continued to operate as an insurgent movement.