Taliban

State · 1996–2005 CE · at its largest around 2000 CE

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, established by the Taliban after they captured Kabul in 1996 and imposed a strict interpretation of Islamic law. US-led forces ousted them in 2001, but they regained power in 2021.

On its lands while it lasted

Ahmad Shah Massoud (1953 CE – 2001 CE): Afghan commander from the Panjshir Valley who fought the Soviets and later the Taliban; he was assassinated two days before 11 September 2001.
Afghan Civil War (1992–1996) (1992–1996 CE): Conflict among mujahideen factions after the fall of the communist government, which devastated Kabul and ended with the Taliban capture of the city.
War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) (2001–2021 CE): US-led invasion after the September 11 attacks that toppled the Taliban, followed by a long insurgency until the US withdrawal in 2021.
Bamiyan Buddhas destroyed (2001 CE): The Taliban dynamited the two monumental Buddha statues of Bamiyan in March 2001, drawing worldwide condemnation.