Is it true Taliban used to be US and UK backed Army?

Question

in Afghanistan .

even in 2001 before 9/11

and Russia has been backing Northern alliance(ethnic afghans) who has been fighting taliban since 1986

Answer 1

Yes. I came from Afghanistan, so I can answer this easily.

Prior to the current day war with the Taliban, in the 70's-90's US trained and was allies with the Taliban and gave weapons, medical supplies, and even food to the Taliban, because at the time Russia was trying to take over Afghanistan and turn it into a communist state. US helped the Taliban, in hopes that Russia would be defeated, and the Taliban did indeed defeat Russia's take over. But afterwards, Afghanistan was left in turmoil with no aide from the US to help rebuild itself and a government after the war. Because of this, the Taliban gained major power in Afghanistan, causing them to virtually enslave the Afghan people. The Taliban hated the US government for abandoning them after the war.

Now, the Taliban are trying to get revenge on the US. As a note, it was US too who also put Saddam into power.

Answer 2

Not exactly, but the Mujahedeen, which sort of evolved into the Taliban were funded by the US to fight against the Russians. It was a bit like the cold war being fought outside the USA.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mujahedeen#Afghan_Mujahideen

Here is a comment from Condy Rice during the 9/11 Commission:

"I brought in Zalmay Khalilzad, an expert on
Afghanistan who, as a senior diplomat in the 1980s, had worked
closely with the Afghan Mujahedeen, helping them to turn back
the Soviet invasion."

From:
http://www.9-11commission.gov/hearings/hearing9/rice_statement.pdf

Incidentally, the current US administration don't like to discuss it much, so many Americans are fairly ignorant of this aspect of their own history. It would be like admitting the US made an error of judgement somewhere overseas, and they don't like doing that!


Meanwhile, I am wondering why Vernon (below) cut and pasted my answer, but put a mistake in it! Odd! Wants to play but not to think?

Answer 3

Yes - during the Afghan war in the 80's USA led Alie's supported Taliban whilst Russian Allied supported the northern militants.

Answer 4

The US and UK did not support the Taliban as such.

They were supporting the rebels who were fighting the Russian invaders into Afghanistan. That was too close to Pakistan for comfort.

During the Cold War, it was strategically vital to prevent Soviet access to an all season warm water port.

So the US and UK dealt with what they knew were less than desirable allies to delay and ultimately defeat a greater foe.

Answer 5

Not exactly, but the Mujaheddin, which sort of evolved into the Tale ban were funded by the US to fight against the Russians. It was a bit like the cold war being fought outside the USA.

Answer 6

Us has used Taliban to capture the poor Afghanistan

Answer 7

Its very true...most of our soldiers have been killed with our own ammo. I wouldn't say the terrorism plots are U.S. backed, but anything that protects that Fuel line are in the U.S. interest.

Answer 8

No matter how you look at it, they were supported openly and secretly by the US

Talk about biting the hand that feeds you...

Answer 9

i think we trained and supplied arms to some of them when Russia was invading Afganistan

Answer 10

Yes it is true