” ‘The Taliban have been characterized as simultaneously Pakistani tools and anti-Pakistan,’ the Peshawar [Pakistan] consulate told Washington in a Confidential cable dispatched on November 3, 1994, as [Taliban leader] Mullah [Mohammed] Omar consolidated control. The consulate said it was ‘very possible’ that the Taliban had received aid from ‘a number of sources, including Pakistan,’ but ‘their backers may find that they have created a tiger that is more than willing to take independent action and not be anyone’s tool.’ The consulate reported ISI [Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence] contacts with the Taliban but conceded that the movement’s ‘origins, goals and sponsors…remain unclear.’ ”
– Steve Coll, Ghost Wars, Page 297