The hard-line Taliban rulers of Afghanistan have “suspended” the holding of chess matches in the country, citing "religious considerations" and claiming it represents a form of “gambling.” ...

A former chess coach says a member of the Taliban vice squad told him: "Playing chess is forbidden. Buying a chess set is forbidden. Even watching it — is forbidden." Why was the game banned?

Aug. 27, 2012— -- The Taliban beheaded 17 people, including two women, for attending a mixed-gender party where there was music and dancing, Afghan officials reported today.