Difference Between Taliban and Mujahideen
Taliban and Mujahideen are two terms that seem to crop up on the media more frequently than anything else these days. Although the word Mujahideen is less common than Taliban these days, the actual meanings of the two are quite different.
Taliban is militant group that ruled Afghanistan during 1990’s. Mujahideen comprised of different factions that fought against Russian invasion (starting from 1979 to 1989). Taliban is an offshoot of Mujahideen and grabbed power after defeating all the Mujahideen factions in 1994. Taliban are more conservative than the Mujahideen. Mujahideen allowed women education in the country during their brief rule after the pullout of Russian troops.
Taliban is specifically used for fighters fighting under the leadership of Mullah Omar, while Mujahideen can be used for any Muslim fighter who believes in Jihad (holy war). Fighters fighting in Palestine (Hamas) and other Muslim countries like Chechnya and Syria are usually called Mujahideen. The term Mujahideen gained popularity during Russian invasion on Afghanistan.
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Taliban
By definition, the Taliban means those who seek education. The word is derived from Talib—a Persian word for student. Today, the term Taliban is used specifically for Muslim fighters working under the banner of Taliban movement that originated in Afghanistan during early 1990’s. The Taliban fighters who came into power after the defeat of Russia in Afghanistan are still being headed by Mullah Omar (who is now at odds with the United States).
You must have heard about groups like Taliban and Mujahideen, on TV, in newspapers, and on the Internet. You are probably aware that Taliban and Mujahideen are two words used to describe Muslim fighters that have been at odds with other different countries over several issues.
Taliban is the biggest groups fighting against American and NATO troops in Afghanistan. Although Mujahideen are long gone, most of the fighters that took part in the fight against Russia are now fighting along with the Taliban and some of the them are also with Hezb-e-Islami.
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Mujahideen
Mujahideen are typically used for Muslim fighters who fought against Russia and ousted it in 1992. Mujahideen consisted of several groups, which were then saw the uprising of the Taliban (a new militia) after they wrestled with each other for power grab. The Taliban, a new group, opposed the Mujahideen, saying they defeated Russia but did not care for the people of Afghanistan. The Taliban then pushed back Mujahideen groups and captured over 90% of Afghanistan within just two years.
Mainstream Mujahideen factions included Hezb-e-Islami headed by Gulbaddin Hekmatyar, Jamiat-e-Islami headed by slain Ahmad Shah Masood, and other smaller groups like Hezb-e-Wehdat and commanders such as Sayyaf and Rabbani (who was assassinated a few months ago).
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. Taliban is an offshoot of Mujahideen and grabbed power after defeating all the Mujahideen factions in 1994. Taliban are more conservative than the Mujahideen. Mujahideen allowed women education in the country during their brief rule after the pullout of Russian troops.
Taliban is specifically used for fighters fighting under the leadership of Mullah Omar, while Mujahideen can be used for any Muslim fighter who believes in Jihad (holy war). Fighters fighting in Palestine (Hamas) and other Muslim countries like Chechnya and Syria are usually called Mujahideen. The term Mujahideen gained popularity during Russian invasion on Afghanistan.Next%20stop%3A%20Pinterest "Pin It")