ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines what we know about the development of the Taliban over the 20-year period. We examine the evolution of their combat capabilities, territorial control and the establishment of shadow governments over time. This provides insight into a movement that gradually developed over the course of the entire war. The overall picture is that they were able to conduct more and increasingly lethal attacks, to expand their presence into areas where they had not previously held control and increasingly became part of local governance. The Taliban gradually grew stronger, already beginning in 2005–06, despite short-term setbacks. This chapter presents what can be called the ‘Taliban-specific’ explanations for these developments, particularly their strategic adaptability, their integration with the Haqqani network and their ability to exploit the weaknesses of the Afghan central government.
