Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan

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The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan was the name given the nation of Afghanistan by the Taliban during their rule, from 1996 to 2001. Only Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates ever recognized the Taliban government.

The Taliban never controlled the northeast of Afghanistan. It was controlled by the Tajiks under the command of General Massoud. General Massoud was killed by an Al-Qaeda suicide bomber disguised as a journalist on September 9, 2001, two days before the Sept 11, 2001 attacks in the United States.

After Sept 11, 2001, the Tajiks under the command of Massoud's brother and Uzbeks under the command of General Dostum formed the so-called Northern Alliance which received assistance from American air-support and defeated the Taliban.