Taliban
alternative words: Talib, Taleban, Taleb, Talibaan, Student
keywords: islam , organization
related topics: Kandahar , Muhammad Omar , ISI
related web sites: http://www.afghan-info.com/TALIBAN.HTM , http://www.fas.org/irp/world/para/taleban.htm
explanation: Literally "students", they suddenly emerged in late 1994 at Kandahar, when 30 students guided by an Islam teacher, Muhammad Omar, succeeded to drive out local Mujahideen. Endorsed overwhelmingly by the people tired with perpetual combats among Mujahideen factions, Taliban quickly captured most of Afghanistan. Most important decision-making structure is "shura", a council of mullahs. Though they are controlling 90% of Afghanistan, few countries have recognized their regime. They are now at war against USA.