The word taliban is the plural form of talib which means a student or a seeker of knowledge.  The Taliban became a religious political movement  as a result of the failure of the Mujahedin (holy warriors) in bringing peace to Afghanistan. 

The Mujahedin fought the Russians and the Communist-leaning Afghan government from 1979-1994.  After the collapse of the Afghan communist government in 1994, the Mujahedin took control of Afghanistan.  The various factions within the Mujahedin movement fought for control of the country.  Unfortunately, they only succeeded in further destroying it.

As a result of the Mujahedin's inability to bring peace to the country, the Taliban formed in Quetta, Pakistan.  With the financial backing of various countries, the Taliban entered Afghanistan in 1996 and almost effortlessly removed the Mujahedin from power and quickly restored order and security within the country.  The Afghan people were so tired of the ongoing civil conflict that they were delighted to have peace.  They had no idea what would transpire at the hands of the Taliban.

First, being fundamentalists, the Taliban instituted a very strict set of religious laws within the country.  Under these laws, non-Islamic influences such as television, music, and the internet were banned.  Men were required to wear their beards just as the prophet Muhammad wore his. 

Women were restricted from leaving their homes.  They were not allowed to work or go to school.  If they left their homes, women were required to wear the burka and to be accompanied by a male relative.  If people broke the laws, they were arrested, beaten or killed.

Second, power quickly corrupted the Taliban.  They plundered the national economy and destroyed the national treasures.  They also made money through bribery and smuggling. 

Third, being uneducated, the Taliban did nothing practical to improve the deplorable living conditions of the people.  They expected God to miraculously bless the country because of their strict adherence to the religious laws.

Fourth, being extremist in their religious ideology, they sheltered extremist religious terrorist organizations such as Al Quaida and facilitated the running of Jehadi (holy war) training camps.

December 9, 2001 marks the ouster of the Taliban from Afghanistan. They were defeated by a coalition of Afghan and American forces. Though they are a significantly weakened political movement, the Taliban continue to resist the present Afghan government from within and without the country.