Rise of the Taliban
“Students”
In one of the harshest countries in the world, both socially and geographically, a notorious regime emerged to fill the leadership void left by years of war. At first, they were greeted as bringers of hope to a hopeless society, but soon after brought oppression and fear to all. The Taliban, or “students,” were only brought to the attention of most westerners after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. However, they have a much deeper history rooted as far back as the Soviet Union’s invasion and occupation of the region. In order to comprehend the rise, fall and re-emergence of the Taliban, three men must be mentioned: Mohammad Omar, Ahmad Shah Massoud, and the most famous terrorist alive, Osama bin Laden. During the last days of the Afghanistan Soviet Union conflict, it was apparent that the less equipped and heavily disadvantaged Mujahedeen, or freedom fighter, were going to be victorious. This was due mainly to the convert help that they were given by the United Stated of America in the form of money and arms. One anonymous prayer leader became a legend on the battlefield for his bravery and tenacity against his Russian foes. Mohammad Omar or Mullah Omar, left his madrassa, took up arms, declared Jihad on the invading Soviet Union, and even lost his right eye in a legendary battle with the Soviets. Also, there were many volunteers from all over the Islamic world arriving in Pakistan to join the Mujahedeen in their quest for freedom. Among them was a wealthy Saudi named Osama bin Laden who brought much needed money and construction techniques that aided the Afghanis greatly. Also emerging in the conflict was a military genius named Ahmad Shah Massoud. His strategies and battle prowess earn him the nickname “Lion of Panjshir” and the post of defense minister in 1992. Now all three major players are in line to bring about events that will ultimately bring about attacks and wars that will affect the entire world. The beginning of the
In one of the harshest countries in the world, both socially and geographically, a notorious regime emerged to fill the leadership void left by years of war. At first, they were greeted as bringers of hope to a hopeless society, but soon after brought oppression and fear to all. The Taliban, or “students,” were only brought to the attention of most westerners after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. However, they have a much deeper history rooted as far back as the Soviet Union’s invasion and occupation of the region. In order to comprehend the rise, fall and re-emergence of the Taliban, three men must be mentioned: Mohammad Omar, Ahmad Shah Massoud, and the most famous terrorist alive, Osama bin Laden. During the last days of the Afghanistan Soviet Union conflict, it was apparent that the less equipped and heavily disadvantaged Mujahedeen, or freedom fighter, were going to be victorious. This was due mainly to the convert help that they were given by the United Stated of America in the form of money and arms. One anonymous prayer leader became a legend on the battlefield for his bravery and tenacity against his Russian foes. Mohammad Omar or Mullah Omar, left his madrassa, took up arms, declared Jihad on the invading Soviet Union, and even lost his right eye in a legendary battle with the Soviets. Also, there were many volunteers from all over the Islamic world arriving in Pakistan to join the Mujahedeen in their quest for freedom. Among them was a wealthy Saudi named Osama bin Laden who brought much needed money and construction techniques that aided the Afghanis greatly. Also emerging in the conflict was a military genius named Ahmad Shah Massoud. His strategies and battle prowess earn him the nickname “Lion of Panjshir” and the post of defense minister in 1992. Now all three major players are in line to bring about events that will ultimately bring about attacks and wars that will affect the entire world. The beginning of the
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