The Taliban emerged as the strongest faction of the Muslim Afghan mujahedeen rebels to seize Kabul in 1996. While they created some stability after nearly two decades of conflict, their tough interpretation of Islamic law has attracted widespread criticism.

Since 1996, the Taliban have given asylum to Osama bin Laden, prime suspect in the U.S. attacks. Now the ruling council of clerics have asked him to leave the country.

The United Nations does not recognize the Taliban, which controls 95 percent of the country. Their main opposition is the Northern Alliance, who are currently battling for control of strategically important districts in the north.