Can we use "the" with the word Taliban?

by Nafis
(Canada)

Can we use "the" with the word Taliban? I think we can not because we know Taliban and it is a known noun. Is this true or not? Thanks a lot in advance.

---

Hi Nafis, I just corrected your proofreading (you are very good at "Paying if forward"!) Yes you can use "the" with Taliban. It is just the same as "the air force", "the Nazis"...mmm wait a second.


It depends. For example you could say, "Taliban troops or Taliban Soldiers" without using "the".

I am not exactly sure about the rule why but it can be said with or without the. If you look at the stories you edited, I added "the" in some instances when it is needed.

"When I was five years old, my country was attacked by the Taliban and the war started."

You need to say "the Taliban" here, or you need to say "...Taliban troops or soldiers".

I hope that helps. I know it doesn't really explain why, but it is the best I can give you. :)