What Islamic fundamentalist political movement ruled Afghanistan as the Islamic Emirate from 1996 to 2001?

• A. Islamic State
• B. Muslim Brotherhood
• C. Taliban
• D. al Qaeda

Answer: (C)

The movement that ruled Afghanistan as the Islamic Emirate from 1996 to 2001 was the Taliban. They formed amid the Afghan civil war in the 1990s, seized control of Kabul in 1996, and established the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, enforcing a strict interpretation of Sharia law. This regime is remembered for its rigid social controls and harsh policies, especially toward women and everyday life, and it drew international attention for its lack of broad recognition. While the Taliban did shelter al-Qaeda operatives, including Osama bin Laden, al-Qaeda itself did not govern the country. The Taliban’s rule ended with the 2001 US-led invasion.