Key Terms in Modern Middle Eastern Conflicts

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Mujahideen

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Refers to guerrilla fighters in Islamic countries, especially those who are fighting against non-Muslim forces. Historically, the term was used for those who fought against Soviet forces in Afghanistan.

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Taliban

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An Islamic fundamentalist political movement in Afghanistan, which emerged in the early 1990s. They were known for their strict interpretation of Sharia law and were in power in Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 and again from 2021.

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Sharia Law

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A legal system based on Islamic principles and derived from the Quran and Hadith. It covers both public and private aspects of life, including religious rituals, family life, business, crimes, and politics.

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Al-Qaeda

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A militant Sunni Islamist multi-national organization founded in 1988 by Osama bin Laden and others. It is known for carrying out numerous terrorist attacks, including the September 11 attacks in the United States.