President. the conflict in Afghanistan has changed dramatically in recent months. In September 1996. the Taliban coalition seized the capital city of Kabul. thereby securing control of twothirds of the territory of Afghanistan. The Taliban. many of whom grew up and were educated in the refugee camps in Pakistan during the war years of the 1980s. see themselves as the guardians of Afghan security and stability. Unfortunately. this guardianship has had very harsh consequences for the women and young girls of Afghanistan. Moreover. in an effort to solidify total control over Afghanistan. they continue to engage militarily with the other factions led by various leaders of that country.