Islamic sect and government which once ruled Afghanistan. Osama bin Laden, who had given them at least $100 million, harboured him in that country. Known for savage treatment of women and destruction of ancient artifacts, they believe in Islamic purity and have zero tolerance for other religions. They put a $50 million bounty on the head of American President Bush in the last months of 2001. As the city of Kandahar fell on December 7, 2001, their leader, Mullah Omar, who had once vowed to fight to the death, fled the country.