Nation Building is Never Without Risk
“Follow the money.” This is a phrase which most investigative reporters must follow to find the truth.
The Taliban is slowly taking over the governance of Afghanistan because they have the money. Money is the foe which the United States cannot fight through its endless war.
The Taliban’s resources are overwhelming 1:
- They control the global opium production according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (PDF).
- They control the mines.
- They are experts on extortion and levying taxes.
- Yes, they even receive charitable donations from religious and private citizens from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Iran and other Persian Gulf nations.
- Laundering money through exports. Even, refurbishing US military vehicles.
- Real estate revenues.
- The governments of Russia, Iran, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are even believed to bankroll the Taliban.
The United States can’t even govern our own internal reckless wealth let alone try nation building through war.
- The Conversation – The Taliban are megarich – here’s where they get the money they use to wage war in Afghanistan
