AP Photo

Unidentified Taliban men listen to Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan, Mullah Abdul Salam Zaeef, at a news conference, Saturday, Sept. 15, in Islamabad, Pakistan.

The Islamic militia that controls most of Afghanistan has called on all Muslims to wage a holy war on the United States if attacked

Identity
The Taliban (or "students") emerged in 1994 with many followers who had attended conservative Muslim schools in Pakistan. They rose to power on promises of peace in a country ravaged by a decade-long war with the Soviet Union and subsequent fighting between Islamic factions. In 1996, the Taliban took the capital Kabul, and now control 95 percent of Afghanistan.

Leadership
Mullah Mohammed Omar, the reclusive leader, is supported by a circle of eight to 10 colleagues. Veterans of the war against the Soviets fill their fighting ranks. Rules are enforced by the Ministry of Virtue and Vice, a religious police force.

Principles
"No other Islamic country comes close," says Afghan Scholar Amin Tarzi, to the Talibanís extreme variant of Islam. Many of the rules which they base on their interpretation of the Quran, including an end to schooling for girls past the age of 8, have alienated them from Muslims outside Afghanistan.

Support and opposition
The Organization of the Islamic Conference refused to admit the regime and only three of the 56 member nations (Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates) have granted it full diplomatic recognition.
SOURCES: Associated Press; Federation of American Scientists