Throughout Islam's history in Afghanistan the statues were preserved and no Muslim doctrine has suggested their destruction". Egyptian religious leader
This is from the link that you provided. Did you care to read that part. Muslims throughout the world condemned it.

The statues once stood in the beautiful valley of Bamiyan which is mostly inhabited by the Hazara tribe (I myself belong to the same tribe). If you are interested in the history click on this link:

Buddha

The city fell to the taliban in september 1998 if I am not wrong. The taleban had received aid from the U.S in march of 1998. Thousands were slaughtered by the Taleban in the same year in bamiyan and Mazar e Sharrif. I think the Aid helped the Taleban in achieving their goals.

The link below tells the whole story.

Congressman charges Clinton administration with favouring Taliban