Final answer:
The Taliban is an Islamic fundamentalist group active in Afghanistan, known for its strict governance and insurgency tactics. It gained influence after the Soviet withdrawal in 1989 and has re-emerged as a significant power post-2021 U.S. withdrawal, impacting the rights of women and the overall ability to govern Afghanistan.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Taliban is a fundamentalist political and religious faction that has been a dominant force in Afghanistan's tumultuous political landscape. After the 2001 U.S. invasion, the Taliban was removed from power but remained active, often engages in insurgent attacks against the government and foreign forces. Following the withdrawal of Soviet troops in 1989, Afghanistan faced a power vacuum that the various Mujahideen groups, including the Taliban, sought to fill. Throughout the war-torn history of Afghanistan, the Taliban has been known for imposing strict Sharia Law, limiting women's rights, and engaging in continued conflict with NATO and UN forces even after U.S. withdrawal in 2021.
Afghanistan itself has been significantly affected by the Taliban's presence and policies. The country is marked by extreme poverty, ethnic fragmentation, and has become one of the most challenging places to govern due to its diversity and constant state of conflict. The Taliban maintains support in parts of the country, particularly in the southern regions like Kandahar, and has seen a resurgence in power, especially after the complete withdrawal of U.S. troops.