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The Taliban's
reclusive supreme leader, Mullah Mohammed Omar, has imposed the world's
strictest form of Islam on the people of Afghanistan. Music, television,
cinema and most forms of entertainment have been banned. Teaching Christianity
is punishable by death. Severe restrictions on women's access to health
care and education also have been imposed. Women must be covered from head
to toe when outside their homes. One woman, who was convicted of killing
her abusive husband, was executed publicly by rifle. In March 2001, the
world recoiled as the Taliban destroyed non-Islamic religious statues such
as centuries-old giant Buddhas.
In light of the
Taliban's role in harboring bin Laden, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab
Emirates have renounced all diplomatic ties with Afghanistan's rulers.
Only Pakistan now maintains formal relations with the Taliban.
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