Taliban: Militant Islam, Oil, and Fundamentalism in Central Asia

The most extreme and radical of all Islamic organizations, the Taliban, inspires controversy and especially fear in both the Muslim world and the West. Rashid explains how the growth of Taliban power has created severe instability in Russia, Iran, Pakistan, and 5 Central Asian republics. He describes the Taliban's role as a major player in a new "Great Game" -- competition among Western countries and co's. to build oil and gas pipelines from Central Asia to Western and Asian markets. Discusses the controversial changes in American attitudes toward the Taliban -- from early support to bombings of Osama Bin Laden's hideaway and other Taliban-protected terrorist bases -- and how they have influenced the stability of the region. Prologue updates events through 9/11.