taliban

Everyday

The Taliban is a militant political and religious group in Afghanistan. It ruled most of Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 and took power again in 2021. It is widely criticised, for example by the United Nations, for very harsh rules, especially stopping girls and women from going to secondary school, university and many jobs. tree →

In the lessons

In news and current-events lessons, «the Taliban» is mentioned in reports about Afghanistan, refugees and girls' education. Children may learn about Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani schoolgirl who was shot by Taliban gunmen in 2012 for speaking up for girls' education, survived, and won the Nobel Peace Prize. Most Afghans and most Muslims are not part of the Taliban. Phrases: «the Taliban government», «under the Taliban».

Examples

• The Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021. tree →
• Under the Taliban, many girls cannot go to secondary school. tree →
• Malala spoke out against the Taliban for girls' right to learn. tree →
• Many families left Afghanistan when the Taliban returned. tree →
• The news report was about the Taliban and women's rights. tree →
• The United Nations has criticised the Taliban's rules on girls. tree →

Note

Always with a capital letter and usually «the Taliban». The word comes from Pashto and means «students». It is a group's name, not a word for all Afghans or all Muslims — saying so would be unfair and untrue.