Unraveling the Taliban and Narcotics Narratives

This chapter critiques the simplistic portrayal of the Taliban's connection to narcotics production in Afghanistan, challenging prevalent assumptions and mainstream narratives. It explores the historical complexities of the Taliban's relationship with the drug trade, highlighting evidence that contradicts the idea that they primarily fund their operations through drugs. Additionally, the chapter discusses the impacts of recent Taliban policies on opium cultivation and the local economy, while questioning the accuracy of U.S. intelligence regarding the conflict's drug dynamics.