Differences Between al-Qaeda & The Taliban al-Qaeda Operates all around the globe Doesnt have a central location Leader is Osama bin Laden Taliban Only active in & around Afghanistan Leader is Mohammed Omar Originate from Kandahar Province, Afghanistan The strict, ruthless governing force in Afghanistan Came to power in 1996 during the Afghan Civil War United States is fighting both al-Qaeda and the Taliban in the Middle East Taliban are in the way of us getting to al- Qaeda and wont hand them over Both work together and support one another Similarities