Some history about the US, the Taliban and al qaeda:

During the soviet-afghan war, the US and Pakistan supported many radical fighters against the ussr and the afghan socialist govt. many of these fighters would later form the Taliban, and many were also al qaeda fighters.

US secretary robin raphel supported a unocal led (American company btw) pipeline project that was supported by the Taliban. She also met with the Taliban (including their leader Muhammad Omar) and called for the international community to work with the Taliban.

Secretary raphel also played an instrumental role in coordinating US state department’s establishment of diplomatic relations with the Taliban govt after they took over Kabul, and praised the takeover with open arms calling it a “positive step” for Afghanistan.

It is clear that the US had no issues with the Taliban or al qaeda and even supported them in many occasions, wether directly or indirectly. Relations with the Taliban only became hostile after the events of 9/11 and the Talibans refusal to cooperate and fulfill US demands.