This statement shows that the closeness of the alliance between al Qaeda and the Taliban has lasted for two decades. . On Sept. 20, 2001, then United States President George W. Bush said that the “leadership of al Qaeda has great influence in Afghanistan and supports the Taliban..…

The US military operation in Afghanistan began in 2001, as a part of then-US President George W. ... The operation swiftly ousted the Taliban government, but despite that, the group retains control over the majority of Afghan territory. ..…