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Afghanistan 1996-2001

Taliban regime, Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan

[Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan 1996-2001 (Afghanistan)]

by Marcus Schmöger | 2:3 or 1:2?

Flag adopted 27th October 1997, abolished 2001

Introduction
Description
Taliban Flag 1996-1997
Flag with green Shahada, probably mistaken
Unidentified Flag with Coat-of-Arms
Unidentified Afghan flags
Al-Qaeda Flags
Discussion on Islamic Emirate

See also:

Afghanistan 1992-1996 Flag (used 1996-2001 by the Northern Alliance)
Mujahideen and anti-Taliban groups 1980's-2001
The Shahada or Kalimah
Historical Flags (Afghanistan)

Introduction

In 1996 the Taliban regime, which had been waging a guerilla war throughout Afghanistan since the Russians left, took over the capital, Kabul. The United Nations Organization never ceased to recognize the previous regime (the so-called 'Northern Alliance' which kept in control of some territory during 1996-2001) and flew the green-white-black tricolour with gold arms.

From contributions by Ivan Sache, Dave Martucci, Jaume Ollé and Jan Oskar Engene, October 1997 - April 1998

Reuters news agency reported on 26 October 1997 that the Taleban government changed the name from Islamic State of Afghanistan to the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. According to Reuters, the name change was announced by a Taleban-controlled radio station, "in an order issued by the Emir al-Momineen Mullah Mohammed Omar", thus formalising the position as head of state in Taleban-ruled Afghanistan of Mullah Mohammed Omar, leader of the Taleban, who is known as Emir al-Momineen (Leader of the Faithful). Reuters noted that this was the third time in five years that the official name was changed. The communist regime used the name Republic of Afghanistan, while the insurgents that overthrew that regime changed the country's name to Islamic State of Afghanistan.

The Taleban government was only recognised by Pakistan, Saudi Ara