Logo - Feel The Words

Taliban Quotes

On the diplomacy, conflict, and history surrounding the Taliban.

These Taliban quotes offer sober, first-hand reflections on decades of conflict and diplomacy in Afghanistan, including one official's account of having dealt directly with both the Taliban and al Qaeda. Another notes that rockets fired by the group are generally unguided, a point of military history.

I've dealt with the Taliban and al Qaeda.

Quotes by Richard Ojeda

Rockets fired by the Taliban generally aren't guided.

Quotes by Richard Engel

Talking to the Taliban is a process the Afghans have to manage. It is their country.

Quotes by Philip Hammond

The Taliban is the Muslim version of the Salem witch trials.

Quotes by Fatema Mernissi

Conflict Quotes

We can't afford to leave Afghanistan to the Taliban and the terrorists.

Quotes by Condoleezza Rice

When US-led forces toppled the Taliban government in November 2001, Afghans celebrated the downfall of a reviled and discredited regime.

Quotes by Anand Gopal

Frequently Asked Questions

Do these Taliban quotes take a side or offer commentary?
They're presented as sober, factual statements from people directly involved in diplomacy or security discussions, describing events and comparisons rather than glorifying or endorsing any group's actions.
What does the quote about dealing with the Taliban and al Qaeda refer to?
It reflects direct, real-world experience in a security or diplomatic role that required engaging with both groups, presented here as historical testimony rather than opinion.
Why does one quote mention unguided rockets?
It's a factual, technical observation about the Taliban's weaponry, noting rockets fired by the group generally lack guidance systems, a point about capability rather than judgment.
Who does one quote say should manage talks with the Taliban?
It argues talking to the Taliban is a process the Afghan people and their leadership have to manage themselves, since it is their conflict and their country.
What is the comparison to the Salem witch trials about?
One quote likens the Taliban to a modern, religiously framed version of the Salem witch trials, a historical comparison meant to describe extremism and persecution rather than to make light of either event.

A further quote frames talking to the Taliban as an internal Afghan process their own leadership must manage, tied to national identity, while a sharper comparison likens the group to the Salem witch trials, an emotional historical parallel about religious extremism.