Final answer:
The Taliban, a fundamentalist Muslim group, ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 and were known for their strict Islamic rule and harsh treatment of women.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fundamentalist Muslim group known as the Taliban ruled the country of Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001. During their reign, the Taliban implemented strict Islamic laws, particularly impacting the rights and freedoms of women. They were known for their harsh governance and enforcement of Sharia law. The group emerged from the mujahideen who fought against the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan during the 1980s. Following the Soviet withdrawal, the Taliban filled the subsequent power vacuum, bringing a militant order to the areas under their control.
While some appreciated the stability they provided after years of chaos, many opposed their brutal tactics and strict interpretation of Islamic law. How the group came to power and their rule is a significant part of the history of Afghanistan, which has faced decades of conflict, including the subsequent U.S.-led invasion that sought to dismantle the Taliban regime in the wake of the September 11th attacks and their refusal to hand over al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.