The darkest of ages: Afghan women under the Taliban.

Since taking power in Afghanistan in September 1996, the Taliban (Students of Islam) have imposed the most draconian measures and enacted, arguably, the most systematic repression of women in history. Ritual punishments and arbitrary, immediate flogging and other measures administered by gun- and whip-wielding young thugs in the name of Islam are commonplace. All but work and prayer are forbidden, but special laws against women leave them destitute; terrorized; without proper medical care or educational opportunities; and, increasingly, mentally and physically ill. Mounting evidence from reports from Afghanistan and Pakistan provides ample illustration of how the Taliban distorts the true teachings of Islam, partly out of ignorance, partly because of their distorted view of women, but, equally, to promote a regime where terror is a critical instrument for power and control.