The Taliban Drugs Nexus: Examining the impacts of the drug trade on politics in Afghanistan (2020 – 2023)

Prepared by the researche :Rania Hassan Isshac Mahmoud , Honor Thesis (REM 401) , Dr Engy Abdo

DAC Democratic Arabic Center GmbH

Journal of extremism and armed groups : Twentieth Issue Issue – August 2025

A Periodical International Journal published by the “Democratic Arab Center” Germany – Berlin

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Abstract

This study examines the Taliban’s drug trade and its impact on Afghanistan’s political stability through case studies and discourse analysis, it reveals how drug profit strengthened Taliban’s control, undermine governance, and fuel corruption. The findings highlight the need for international cooperation to disrupt narcotics financing of insurgent groups to reduce its severe impact on international politics.

§  Introduction

Taliban is an Islamic militant group in Afghanistan that emerged in the early 1990s. Taliban mainly aims to implement the principles of Islam but precisely to achieve the main goal which is the Islamic state. After the 9\11 attack, the Taliban gained control in the region even more than the official Afghan government which helped them in expanding their activities to be able to finance their group with advanced weapons. Those activities were specifically based on the cultivation and trade of drugs which was the only way to finance their militia and the reason is that Afghanistan has suitable soil and weather to grow opium poppy with several consumers not only in the region but in the U.S. and Europe with very high rates.  The Taliban’s reliance on opium trafficking has transformed Afghanistan into a narco-state, where drug profits undermine democratic institutions and fuel violence. This study investigates the mechanisms linking narcotics trade to Taliban political alliance, addressing gaps in domestic governance collapse. By employing institutionalism and case-study analysis, it contributes to policy debates on counterterrorism and state-building. (Perl, 2001)

The illicit drug trade and trafficking is now becoming a worldwide business that involves suppliers such as the Taliban, distributors, and consumers in many states. Farmers are the target as they want to provide a good living for their families by working with a militia and drug cartels to try to profit from a product whose demand will continue to rise and is hard to control. The political and economic instability in Afghanistan that has been occurring for decades now results in not being able to afford the bare minimum needs of life. The absence of employment opportunities particularly in the agricultural sector, is the main reason that increases the growth of illicit drug trafficking in the state. Opium being their main source of revenue empowers the Taliban locally, regionally, and internationally in an enormous way which is questionable how the drug trade can turn a local organization into a multinational organized crime group. (Shanty, 2007)

The primary form of revenue for the Taliban as mentioned above is the drug trade, in which they’re actively engaged. They are mainly targeting Afghanistan’s drug supply chain at all stages of trade such as cultivation, manufacturing, and trafficking with various tools used by the organization to train their armed troops to promote, fund, organize, and protect the drug trade to be the only owners in the region. Opium was the reason why the Taliban was able to return powerfully after the U.S. invasion by increasing its cultivation highly in illegal parts of the country such as the Southern part of Afghanistan which improved their political strategies to control the government. (Mirdad, 2020)

§  Research Problem

Despite the Taliban’s public ban on narcotics, opium cultivation has surged under their rule This paradox raises critical questions: How does drug revenue shape Taliban governance? Why do international sanctions fail to disrupt this tie? This study explores these contradictions to reveal systemic corruption and institutional capture that highly affect international society and regional political stability.

§  Research Statement

The research aims to determine the factors in which drug trafficking affects the political climate in Afghanistan by examining the relation between the drug trade and politics, in addition to how those activities affect the legitimacy of the Afghani government. This connection is becoming more complex with its impacts on countering terrorism, political stability, and broad geopolitical concerns, which will be discussed throughout the research with an in-depth analysis of the complications in the Afghani political climate while comprehending the links between drug trafficking and politics.

The sources found helped in understanding how the Taliban as an organization emerged and how they tried to gain power over the U.S. intervention in Afghanistan as well as becoming the legal government rather than the official Afghani government. Moreover, sources about the Taliban’s involvement in drug trafficking were clear with broad and different perspectives not native but mostly U.S perspectives including other militias in Southern Afghanistan such as Al Qaeda. Still, unfortunately, there is a research gap in how the process of their involvement in drugs started as well as how this affects their domestic political instability in various sectors.

Current research mainly focuses on the political power of the Taliban in the region and Afghanistan is one of the main supplying countries of opium in the world not only in the area, not to mention how it was lately used as a source of paying foreign debts. The research will highlight the process of the Taliban being engaged in drug trafficking after banning it to seize power over being the one supplier and manufacturer in the region for consumers around the globe which is a huge concern as it highly impacts the global and internal political environment.

This study will offer a valuable amount of knowledge about patterns of terrorism, internal or external conflicts, and illegal businesses in the region. To address these interrelated issues more effectively, find the key reason why the process started so that it is easier for policymakers and political scientists to combat those threats. It is important for the general public, not only natives but individuals globally to understand the challenges that Afghans from all classes, genders, and ages are facing alone, but to whom it may concern in different places in the world achieving peace, stability, and development in this country must be an aimed target to preserve the global political climate from threats and conflicts that might affect the global economy and politics.

The research will help in discovering how Taliban drug trafficking weakens state institutions, encourages corruption, and increases violence by researching the effects of this illegal activity on both local and international affairs. Policymakers attempting to understand the fundamental causes of instability in Afghanistan might benefit greatly from the connection that will be discussed later in the research of how drug trade shapes regional dynamics and finances Taliban’s activities. Additionally, the research studies the tools used to combat global criminal activity, increase international cooperation, and promote peace and security on a larger scale by highlighting the Taliban’s role in affecting global politics negatively.

§  Research Questions

• How does the Taliban’s drug trade process impact the revenue that strengthens their political control in Afghanistan?
• Does the international community’s approach to countering drug trade affect the Taliban’s regime?
• How does the Taliban as a drug trader and political actor affect the political environment for other actors domestically?

§  Literature Review

• Illicit_drug_trade_and_financing_of_terrorism20200528-92003-1kvmenw-libre.pdf (d1wqtxts1xzle7.cloudfront.net)

Illicit Drug Trafficking and Financing of Terrorism the Case of Islamic State, Al Qaeda, and their Affiliate Groups by Yashasvi Chandra (2020)

This research tackled the topic in a broad scope not specifically targeting the Taliban but a huge part of it was highlighting the historical drug trade activities by the Taliban and precisely during the COVID-19 pandemic as they were more active in cultivation and trading. The author highlighted how the terrorist group became an actor in controlling illicit drug trade as for the Taliban it became a source of revenue for the process of manufacturing heroin and opium. The research also tackled the possible methods for countries to combat terrorism and drug financing through continuous efforts to monitor those activities.

• HFM-health-02-2006 (researchgate.net)

How Illicit Drug Trade Is Becoming One of the Largest Business in Asia by Rabia Hanif (2020)

The author highlighted the issue of drug trade in Asia specifically in Afghanistan but with more of an American perspective as she focused more on the U.S. efforts in countering terrorism and preventing illegal activities. During the American invasion of Afghanistan, the U.S. tried to destroy poppy fields and heroin laboratories but with the Taliban having full control over specific areas in Afghanistan any other countering efforts failed. Taliban being the main trader in Asia to the world turned globalization into an enormous challenge for Europe and the U.S. to combat those activities.

• Voices-from-the-Borderlands-2020-Report-Digital-Final.pdf (soas.ac.UK)

Voices from the borderland’s illicit drugs, development, and peacebuilding by Jonathan Goodhand and Jasmine Bhatia (2020)

The authors tackled a different point of view in which it was more of an internal aspect in Afghanistan that helped in discovering another side of the Taliban’s activities inside the country not only regional or international activities. To help in the revival of their activities and authority they had to mobilize and influence people by supporting them

which resulted in a conflict between U.S. troops and citizens Taliban this might have created tension and an economic issue but it helped the Taliban in regaining their power and finding a path for profits from drugs once again. The authors were against the activities done by the Taliban but focused on key messages throughout their research as many families relied on opium production and cultivation to enhance their economic situation which is an important point for the research gap as it is more of a domestic perspective rather than a broad one.

• The Taliban in pdf (indianstrategicknowledgeonline.com)

The Taliban in Afghanistan by Lindsay Maizland (2021)

The author discussed the answers to several questions as she views the Taliban’s power as more threatening than in 2001 due to the economic situation and authority control even after the American troops’ withdrawal. The study referred to the imposed threat by the Taliban as it is a powerful force that restricts normal citizen’s life, weakens democratic institutions, and reduces regional security. Taking a look at the narrow scope of the Taliban’s organizational hierarchy how is it led, and whether is it supported or not by Afghans focusing more on the internal political environment with a non- biased opinion.

• Afghanistan in the Era of Fentanyl (jstor.org)

Afghanistan in the Era of Fentanyl: Considering Potential Economic and Political Impacts of a Collapse in Demand for Afghanistan’s Opiates by Victoria A. Greenfield, Bryce Pardo, and Jirka Taylor (2021)

The study focuses on the impact of the political and economic conditions in Afghanistan and how citizens mainly farmers face the biggest threat when working under the control of a terrorist group. The collapse of the opium market and the demand for it during the American presence in Afghanistan caused an economic and humanitarian crisis. the study also emphasized the Afghan household’s struggles during the collapse and revival of the opiate market by comparing both situations and lifestyles and the time needed for the political, social, and economic to adjust without relying on illegal activities.

• Afghanistan—Development Options in the Context of US-Taliban Agreement and Great Power Rivalry | SpringerLink

The Great Power Competition Volume 1: Regional Perspectives on Peace and Security by Adib Farhadi (2021)

The author represented the rivalry between a great power like the U.S. and the Taliban and in certain chapters he spoke about both the intervention and the withdrawal of the American troops. He focused on the state’s strategic role as a zone of competing powers, specifically after the U.S. troop’s withdrawal. The book analyzed the different points of view of great powers and how the US, China, Russia, and other regional actors view Afghanistan and the Taliban. Various aspects, including social, political, and economic are discussed as well as the rapid shift in those aspects that impacted the future of Afghanistan.

• From Taliban to Taliban: Observations of an aid worker in Afghanistan by Khalid Mansour (2022)

The author unveiled the hidden situation in Afghanistan from the presence of the American intervention to the withdrawal as well as the illegal activities practiced by the Taliban such as drug trade and sexual services “the boys’ game”. He spoke about farmers and natives being forced to work with jihadists in drug cultivation and heroin labs to improve their living conditions due to the severe humanitarian crisis. despite all the hard conditions he’s been through, the author assures his support to the natives who aren’t fully aware of their rights because of the long war and forgotten stability that has been going on for decades with no choices left for them.

• Afghanistan (oapen.org)

Afghanistan: Long War, Forgotten Peace by Micheal Cox (2022)

The book explores several factors about Afghanistan’s domestic, regional, and international role. The author discussed Afghanistan’s history including civil war and Western interventions, which affected the rapid changes in the internal dynamics such as social and religious issues. Particularly in chapter nine, he addressed the problem of opium and drug trade specifically after the failed American intervention and challenges under the Taliban rule.

• The Return of the Taliban: Afghanistan after the Americans Left – Hassan Abbas – كتب Google

The Return of the Taliban: Afghanistan after the Americans Left by Hassan Abbas (2023)

The author throughout the book argued that the Taliban’s return in 2021 was not a regular return for a militant group but it was the start of a new regime. Abbas revealed several negotiations between the U.S. and the Taliban as a non-state actor to combat any illegal activities and secure regional and international security. He discussed social issues such as the lack of consideration for women’s rights and minorities, as well as the exclusion of any political actors domestically and having political authority only under the Taliban’s control.

• Addictology – September 2023 (researchgate.net)

Substance Use Disorder in Afghanistan: The Situation and Needs to Address the Issue by Ahmed Irshad Mansoor (2023)

The article discusses the experiences that Afghanistan went through because of war and tragedy, which led to major crises in the state including health issues and drug use. The author only addressed the health issue regarding addiction and the programs provided for natives to help them before the Taliban regained power once again in 2021. He gave methods to combat the issue, the results of the program, and the short-term progress before the return of the Taliban which means the return of extreme drug use.

• Remembering Afghanistan: Humanitarian Crisis (yipinstitute.org)

Remembering Afghanistan: Humanitarian Crisis by Sanjay Karthikeyan (2023) The paper discusses the U.S. efforts to prevent the rise of the Taliban once again and their impact on the internal environment in Afghanistan specifically minorities. The author highlighted the threat to democracy, freedom of speech, expression, and religion as Afghanistan was starting to become more institutionalized than being controlled by a terrorist group. The Taliban’s oppressive measures and methods stifled the economic and political situation and turned Afghans into an isolated group of people from globalization.

The overall conclusion is that most authors were against the Taliban rule due to the stiffness they made economically, politically, and socially. I find that Afghans are the victims of the long-term war that has been going on for decades either between Afghanistan and other great powers or internal wars and civil wars. The Taliban’s iron fist regarding the control of the situation resulted in divisions between people. It turned them into dependents on illegal activities to live a life which is a basic need for any human being. Still, in Afghanistan, the situation is different because being a human is a huge risk as you’re facing a terrorist group that controls your life demands and to fulfill those demands you have to do certain activities against your standards for the sake of money, house, and good food.

The gap that must be filled mostly is about the internal situation and how Afghans view the Taliban are they politically or economically aware enough of their rights and oppression is playing its role or is the Taliban the savior of those people from the ongoing wars between the state and great powers that see nothing but a militant group that the international community must get rid of? The image of Afghans in 2021 after the withdrawal of the U.S. troops from Afghanistan trying to climb planes to flee before the beginning of a new era of oppression once again said it all.

§  Theoretical Framework

The drug trade has a long and complicated history in Afghanistan, and the Taliban’s role in those illegal activities has had a major effect on not only the political environment but the economy and society as well. This thesis examines the complex connections between the Taliban’s effort to gain legitimacy and maintain their power through the use of force, and their involvement in the drug trade making them drug lords in the region. This study will analyze how drug money supports the regain of the Taliban’s power after the American troops’ withdrawal by weakening any opposing political power in Afghanistan that plays a vital role in being the official legitimate government for the Afghani society. The mentioned factors ultimately shape the future of Afghanistan’s politics through resource allocation and state-building theories.

Various concepts were mentioned that support the argument explained and analyzed later in this study those concepts include many factors all linked to each other affected aspects of life such as:

• Drug Trade: this concept explains the methods used by the Taliban to earn revenues from illicit drug trade and this includes imposing taxes on the growing opium poppy, and fees used for the protection of routes used in trafficking as they’re engaged in both production and distribution.
• Political Impact: this concept discusses the major effect on the Afghani domestic politics affected people, official authority, and the Taliban’s regaining of power which reflects the Taliban’s ability to establish authority by expanding their control over the country as a whole, gaining the trust of Afghans by offering better social condition using methods for more financial stability, eroding the power of any opposing authority as it will result in the change of objectives of the global community and international politics.
• Resources Crisis: the concept reflects Afghanistan being a wealthy resource for opium which can lead to instability, as the drug activity and relying on it as a main source of profit increases corruption either in the controlling authority or between The rivalry is all about who will prove their loyalty to the Taliban to be able to work for them and improve their social condition.

How the mentioned concepts support the thesis argument that because of the Taliban’s coercive control politically, economically, and socially which directly affects the general welfare, Afghans are threatened and their lives are unstable. If any of the concepts applied to the real- life scenario of an Afghan native this means that Afghanistan is in a very complex situation that doesn’t only need international efforts but domestic political awareness to be able to achieve a democratic life. The main argument is not trying to prove that the Taliban is a drug trader and distributor as this has been proved decades ago that they are either from an American perspective or not, but the main argument is giving the space to prove that Afghans are the victims of a corrupt system.

Regarding the political impact and resources crisis concepts, both concepts reflect that the Taliban’s political structure is based on the drug trade. The concepts reveal how Taliban uses the trading as pressure on people due to the scarcity of resources which affects their economic situation. On the other hand, the political side hides a major rivalry between the Taliban and any other opponent and the drug profit strengthens the organization which weakens the legitimate government more. Instead of managing the economic crisis which for the past years increased poverty and starvation, the profits of the drug trade destroy political institutions and support a corrupted environment, which prevents any positive progress for the state politically or economically.

• State capture Theory: the theory examines how terrorist groups especially the Afghani case being drug traders could access government agencies and control In the Afghani scenario, the theory explores the ways drug profit affects the Taliban’s decision-making process, social domestic divisions, and the threat of corruption. The drug economy and Taliban control over all Afghani provinces reflect the increased violence internally, as well as the challenges natives face with the Taliban and the Afghani government which reflects the ongoing domestic conflict and its impact on the state’s political structure. (Peters, 2009)
• Governance Theory: the theory explores how governance in Afghanistan is at risk due to the drug trade and how this impacts citizens’ involvement, the rule of law, and basic protection. Using the theory it highlights different governance types and the Taliban

impacting different forms of control, as well as reflecting drug economies, citizens, and governance. (Jan Koehler, 2022)

• Realism Theory: realism is a broad theory that mostly focuses on power and how major powers may use other states for their interests even if it impacts the geopolitical environment. The Taliban’s ongoing conflict doesn’t only affect Afghanistan or its neighbors but also powers affected by terrorism and drug trade and distribution around the globe. From a realist perspective, to maintain the balance of power and avoid any threats neighboring states tried to impose policies to limit the influence of the Taliban while at the same time preserving their interests. The theory also highlights the impact of the conflict on international relations and global politics due to the increase in refugee flow, terrorism, and drug trade. (Iqbal, 2023)

The previously mentioned theories highlight a critical situation as a result of the Taliban’s iron- fisted control over the state. Major concerns have been raised due to the negative effects of the drug trade on the Afghani environment revealing that the main reliance of the citizens is on drugs. The drug profit creates a path full of opportunities for the Taliban for more control not even used for building a stable economy for the people of Afghanistan. Development is restricted by illicit activities as well as weakening vital institutions needed for creating a better life for citizens in which they can choose their path. If it is supposed that the international organizations’ funds are used for improving healthcare and educational systems despite the “Islamic” rule of the Taliban they might have been viewed from a better perspective but unfortunately, even funds are stolen and used for other illegal purposes.

Moreover, there is no incentive for a state that mainly depends on drug revenue to spend it on vital public services. Afghans are directly harmed by this lack of utilities specifically in the locations that are under coercive control by the Taliban the percentage of their access to to services is close to none. In addition, the methods of governance by the Taliban and their drug-based economy create an imbalance of power between them and any opposing political actors as political competition is the core of a strong awareness for citizens and creating a democratic political ground. If assumed that chaos and violence become the norm of the Afghani society it will limit the prosperity of this society and their chance of getting rid of the Taliban.

Citizens who live in remote areas or the main areas with fertile agricultural land are the ones who are severely affected by drug cultivation, trade, and distribution as they depend on drugs for money which creates a pressuring environment either dying out of starvation or working with the Taliban being in a risk and your family but becoming in a better financial state. This also reflects the betrayal of trust between people and the Taliban as they assured not be involved in the drug trade when they once again gained power after the withdrawal of the American troops but faced debts and trying to restructure the military power they had to use the drug revenues in building their unwanted empire once again.

The American perspective doesn’t align with the argument as the U.S. has tried for years to put effort into countering terrorism as the Afghanistan image is seen through only the Taliban neglecting the domestic environment and natives. The real issue from the American perspective is that the Taliban is the villain for not being able to separate between Afghans and the Taliban as the difference between both is huge and solving the issue of seeing both as one will be in favor of Aghanis. The American narrative usually blames the Afghans for not being able to get over the situation in Afghanistan and seeing themselves as the only ones who’ll be able to save them from the chaotic situation in Afghanistan. Still, on the other hand, they’re only able to impose sanctions that don’t seem effective in the failure of the Taliban regime as well as offering only military force solutions that negatively impact only the Afghans.

• Clientelism Theory: according to this theory, the Taliban can control the main power institutions that preserve the legitimacy of the state with the help of drug revenues. This damages the official government and its ability to speak for the demands of its citizens. Instead of prioritizing the welfare of the Afghans, resources are distributed among those who are loyal to the Taliban which preserves their power and strengthens their militia Patronage networks and clientelism in which actors use hidden funds for their interests negatively affected Afghans and this also broke the trust and hope between people and the legal authority. (Karimi, 2020)

The mentioned theories reflect the real negative side of the Taliban, which is the main reason for all the chaos occurring in Afghanistan and defending the real victims of all the wars throughout the political history of Afghanistan. The coercive control over Afghanistan cripples any development politically, socially, and economically which puts Afghans in a critical situation

facing the Taliban alone with no support for the sake of choosing better humane lives for themselves and for their families by staying loyal. The corruption and fueled violence only harm the Afghani civilians that aren’t the core attention of the international community which creates a contradiction between their narratives and their efforts.

§  Methodology

• Approach

This study tries to reflect how the illicit drug trading by the Taliban severely impacts every aspect of the internal environment in Afghanistan narrowing the scope on the political side of the issue. This study shows qualitative methods to analyze the Taliban’s drug trade and its political impacts in Afghanistan mainly highlighting institutional issues that directly affects political stability, combining case-study analysis of Kandahar Province with discourse analysis of Taliban leadership statements. This approach aligns with the theoretical frameworks of institutionalism and state capture theory.

• Institutionalism: as institutions are the main factor focused on in this study, this approach analyzes the methods used by the Taliban by applying Sharia laws to the formal institutions they govern. The approach reflects the historical development of institutions how they shape the social and political environment for Afghan citizens and how their role was eradicated throughout the years due to internal power struggles to combat the Taliban power manipulation. The approach examines how drug revenues enable Taliban to avoid and replace formal state institutions, as well as tracing the erosion of governance structures in Kandahar (selected for its role as the Taliban’s political base and source of 33% of Afghanistan’s opium).
• Neo-Institutionalism: this approach focuses on formal and informal institutions and norms that influence the Taliban’s behavior through many factors such as corruption, networks, and the role of neighboring states that shape opportunities for illegal
• Systematic approach: an approach that analyzes the strong relationship between drug trading and political outcomes in Including different routes of the drug trade, drug cultivation, and production rates, and violence rates in the Taliban-controlled provinces. The approach will present the main aim of the study which is the strong linkage between the drug trade and political stability in Afghanistan. The approach maps the correlations between drug trafficking routes and political violence. In addition, it compares pre-and post- 2021 institutional changes using World Bank governance indicators.

• Data Collection Tool
  • Primary Sources:
• 10 official Taliban statements on drug policies (e.g., 2022 cultivation ban decree).
• Interviews with Afghan journalists and officials on local impacts from two different perspectives.
  • Secondary Sources:

– UNODC opium production reports (2020–2023).

–  U.S. Treasury Department financial investigations of Taliban narcotics networks.

• Discourse Analysis will frame the ideology and internal scene from the speeches of key leaders of the Taliban justifying their strong presence in the This tool reveals the power dynamics used by important individuals through their public speeches and uncovering real-life “behind the scenes” by reflecting their sociopolitical perspectives and silencing the voices of natives. The analysis exposes the hidden key messages.

• Analytical Process

To ensure the validity of the findings, methodological triangulation was applied through the use of Taliban’s public claims with on-ground production data and violence reports.

• Pattern Identification

Thematic analysis was conducted by analyzing interview transcripts and identifying repeated patterns and themes related to the political influence of the drug trade by linking drug revenue to political maneuvers.

• Limitations

This study faces several constraints: (1) Inability to conduct field interviews due to Taliban restrictions and security risks, which forces the reliance on secondary sources that may lack preciseness. (2) Potential bias in Taliban-produced documents and narrative control over drug trade reports. (3) Geographic focus on Kandahar, which may not fully capture the full regional and domestic scene. (4) Theoretical frameworks developed for Western states may not perfectly fit Afghanistan’s unique cultural context. While sources of UN, media, and academic sources ease some gaps, these limitations require cautious interpretation of findings. The Taliban activities show the complex interconnection between internal politics and the way of governing by the Taliban.

• Case Study about Kandahar province in Afghanistan to highlight how instability, violence, corruption, and poverty affect the internal scene. The study will show how the province with the highest opium and heroin production is under a tight grip of violent practices which is the main reason for its full dependence on drug production.

§  Findings

This study proved various factors and linked the drug trade and how it affects political, economic, and social aspects of life that are the main pillars of developing and building a well- processing state. The data collection tools specifically the analysis of speeches of the Taliban’s key actors reflected the internal scene. They broadened the scope more than the bits given through the media while neglecting the real internal issues of the Afghan citizens. Focusing on the internal environment in Afghanistan showed that the U.S. perspective was only biased toward fighting a “ghost” that doesn’t affect the international community as much as it affects the people of the country.

The U.S.-Taliban peace agreement was demanded due to the disastrous scene in Afghanistan. Still, it was seen negatively by the international community which took the action of imposing sanctions and cutting off aid for the Afghani government and society which economically affected the state, this action helped the Taliban more than affecting its political power as the only alternative for a source of income was drug cultivation and production. When the Taliban seized power their Minister of Interior Sirrajudin Haqanni the most wanted person from the FBI mentioned in his first face-to-face interview after 19 years of war that according to the Sharia Law, they will be banning drug production and cultivation as well as sending all the addicted people to rehabs but it was all false promises as they said that opium, heroin, and newly crystal meth are the only sources of income for the government and poor families and that they can’t afford to offer any alternatives for people.

The change from Trump’s administration to Biden’s administration impacted the signing of the peace pact between the U.S and the Taliban but they’ve already despite the peaceful intentions on both sides, the Taliban’s key actors threatened the American administration regarding any surprising moves that would violate the pact they signed or even intervening in any internal conflicts as the Taliban transitioned from fighting Americans as they’re no more enemies but fighting their people who don’t support them seizing power. The policies and strategies of the new Islamic emirate of Afghanistan are well known by the American administration and didn’t show any type of opposition regarding the laws and policies but international organizations such as the UN opposed their policies which are built on Sharia and Jihad as it is considered as a violation to human rights and the state’s legitimacy.

The ideology and language of the actors of the Taliban reflect the way they are loyal and connected to their “Amir” Hibatullah AkhunZada who isn’t known publicly but the official spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid represents him as he links the supreme leader in Kandahar and the ministers in Kabul. Mujahid’s interviews are always armed as he is surrounded by jihadis with weapons and bombs in case of any threats occurring while the journalists have no right to hold equipment to defend themselves. They repeatedly mention in all their interviews among all the actors that appeared in media “Islam”, “Sharia”, and “Jihad” as the main aspects of governance but their actions that this study has proved to reflect the controversy and hypocrisy

This study showed the real side of the Taliban’s governance which is based on corruption and when mentioning corruption, it means drug trading and using it for their favor in equipping their jihadis but leaving people to die out of starvation and addiction on the streets. Their governance is also based on human rights violations and when speaking of its women and girls must be mentioned and focused on as since 2021 women have been going through severe conditions such as violence and sexual assault. Jihadis entered homes kidnapped virgins and took them as brides which were reported but not publicly shown as well as being denied those incidents by the leaders. Haqanni mentioned in his interview that only hijabi women are the ones with dignity and honor and that it protects them from any threats surrounding them, not to mention that girls and women are only allowed to leave their houses with a “Burqa” but still reports of rape and sexual assaults are highly increasing specifically between jihadis.

In this study, evidence was provided regarding the political scene in Afghanistan as the Taliban doesn’t allow any political actors to be elected or chosen. Still, they gain their legitimacy using military force. This evidence was provided by the former president of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani after he fled the country as he was “one bullet away from death” Not only was the Taliban the threatening player but offering one of his guards thousands of dollars to shoot him or poison him when all those efforts failed they killed his characters in the eyes of the people who chose him and accused him for being corrupted which turned out to be false ones. Taliban prevented any political official from being engaged in any political process. The American administration started threatening the legitimate government and forcing it to fulfill their demands which included releasing 5000 jihadis and giving legitimacy to the Taliban or aid would be cut off and they wouldn’t be able to protect them.

When the Taliban entered Kabul in a peaceful way as the former Afghani president Ashraf Ghani mentioned. He couldn’t give away legitimacy to the Taliban. he defended his country for years to prevent any bloodshed as people were devastated and traumatized from their past experiences with the civil war trying to defeat the Taliban. Ghani wasn’t the only one who escaped Afghanistan fearing the once again growing power of the Taliban but people also left their country specifically those who worked with Americans against the Taliban were one step away from death due to their betrayal from the Taliban’s perspective. Ghani leaving his country killed the hope inside the ones who chose him being faithful that he would change the painful reality.

Using Kandahar province in Afghanistan as a case study, it is demonstrated that the Taliban worsened the scene after its gain of power as the last reports about the percentages of drug production and cultivation estimate that Kandahar produces more than 33% of the overall drug production in Afghanistan. The heroin labs are located in the desert under the noses of the Taliban, and with the severe economic conditions, farmers are forced to work with the Taliban in drugs as it is the only profiting source for households which increased Afghanistan’s overall drug production since they seized power into 90% drug production. Opium is a less expensive crop compared to vegetables and fruits as well as its profit is huge so poor families can afford to buy edible food due to the high taxes on edible crops that the Taliban imposed.

This analysis indicated that Kandahar’s involvement in drug trading is complex, as it serves as the main transit for the global trade of drugs. Although it might not be the biggest producer of all time as the ones with major production rates are provinces like Farah and Helmand the drugs are traded from Kandahar to regional neighboring states as well as other states in many parts of the world. The scene in many provinces mainly Kandahar questioned how the Taliban from the beginning was involved in the complex drug nexus, as when they first seized power in the early 90s they wanted to ban opium poppy cultivation based on their “strong” religious beliefs but after a short period they took a step back from their decision and started using it via farmers to gain revenue, imposed taxes on the opium crop, and even protected the routes for traffickers which strengthened their power by financing their activities and this is the same scenario played after they had gained their power once again in 2021, history repeating itself based on fake beliefs.

The Taliban’s activities and way of governance have been based on fake beliefs not “Sharia” as their actor’s state, this research proved that they use the name of Islam and its laws and principles as a justification for their behaviors but in reality, it is nothing but a self-serving agenda. They enforce harsh restrictions and policies on citizens specifically women and girls regarding their movement and their education which is postponed until further notice according to Haqqani the Minister of Interior. According to the Islamic principles freedom of movement and education is guaranteed for all human beings including women and girls which reflects their rigid vision and personal ideology not the real principles of the religion.

They focus on harsh punishments for those who commit a certain crime but do not use the right penalty or according to the institutionalism approach a penalty must be imposed through a formal institution in the state whose profession is a legal and judicial sector. Still, instead, they work as the only official actor specialized in all sectors of the state with no formal institutions or going through a legal process. The Islamic teachings only impose penalties on those who commit major crimes such as theft, adultery, or murder while other minors are the profession of the judicial and legal system which doesn’t process at all in Afghanistan which means it is not an “Islamic” state but a state that is based on corruption, personal agenda, and violence because the Islamic religion teaches peace and justice which are not the pillars of the Taliban regime.

The study examined the correlation between various factors in the internal political, economic, and social situation in Afghanistan and its direct relation to the Taliban drug trade which reflected the impact of the three factors mentioned. The social scene is that the Taliban’s drug trade fuels instability and lack of security due to the non-existent presence of central government institutions which underestimates the sense of law. This also was reflected through many sources used as data collection tools in this study proving that one of the major social issues in Afghanistan is drug addiction as 120 thousand farmers are working for the Taliban in labs and lands of drugs which makes them not only workers but also addicts, this social issue tears the social fabric of the Afghani society as every single individual is negatively impacted by this corrupt process due to the selfishness and greed of Taliban. Men need money to afford a better life for their families, and women and girls are the vulnerable individuals of this society due to the non-ending threat from those who are accompanied by the Taliban in the drug trade.

The political scene is more devasting as it is the core of this study that was proved through several tools is that the Taliban can tighten its power grip all over the country as it is considered the only high commander of this state so there is no escape from their rigid governance. The high profits and revenues as mentioned generate their power and control to recruit jihadis creating a stronger network domestically, regionally, and internationally where those individuals benefit from their connection with the Taliban as they’re provided money, protection, and drugs. This weakens any political opposition that occurred in the state and cripples any efforts to end the Taliban regime and establish a stable functioning state so the drug trade serves as their financial backbone.

Despite the Taliban’s attempts to create an image of being the ones who uphold Islamic law their involvement in the drug trade reflects hypocrisy as it directly contradicts Islamic law which leads to the lack of trust in their government after the U.S-Taliban peace agreement and serves as an obstacle in their path with no future opportunities of cooperation between Afghanistan and the international community. The Afghan people view it as a betrayal of Islamic values and beliefs, eroding the legitimacy of the Taliban’s government from their point of view. Additionally, their engagement in the drug trade created major complications in providing peace and security which are the basic needs for citizens after years of wars in which they were involved with no reason and losing souls which traumatized them wanting to hold onto any light of hope.

Not to mention but Taliban’s involvement in the drug nexus isolates them internationally as those illegal activities complicate their foreign relations. This creates tension with neighboring states and other states as a spillover effect of their drug trafficking, the isolation hinders any relations with states that provided financial aid for Afghanistan which has it direct non- favorable impact on people rather than the government. The government will lose the ability to build an economically strong state even if they’re debt-free which puts them in a critical situation with major power states.

The economic scene is the main core of the drug issue in Afghanistan as mentioned that drugs are the only source of revenue for the government and families, it might be a short-term revenue it cripples and benefits at the same time the Afghan economy in the long-term. The farmers who rely on opium and heroin are in a non-ending loop and a cycle of dependence on

the deadly process of the drug trade with the Taliban as they have no other choices in the meantime due to their need for money and using force on citizens to benefit through them and making huge profits. The high taxes on other crops rather than the opium drug trade discourage the benefiting process of relying on other sectors for profit and trade such as manufacturing and agriculture which are the main professions in the desert life of the Afghans. This stagnant economy leaves no choice for the vulnerable Afghans who deserve an adequate life if looking more into the issue it uncovers other issues that are interconnected to the economic situation in Afghanistan but also poverty, lack of development, and weak governance.

Surprisingly what the study has proven is that Afghans don’t only rely on drugs as a source of income but there is another scenario that was reported that was used by poor families. There is a game that has been played for decades but highly increased after the Taliban gained power and became more viral internally which is called “The Boys Game”. This game is about taking boys from the ages 7 to 14 putting on their makeup, letting them wear women’s clothes, and putting on wigs to force them to provide sexual services for the jihadis. According to Sharia and Islamic principles, this is adultery that shouldn’t be committed as well on the humanitarian side this is child trafficking when a boy this age must be living a good life, going to school, making friends, and playing all day long in Afghanistan the scene is different as if his family will find an alternative for money, he might be forced to be taken by one of the jihadis just to fulfill his sick needs and fantasies.

These actions were justified by the Taliban as in the Sharia only those who commit adultery with women is the one guilty as it is an action that will result in mixed lineages while the mentioned game has no penalty from their perspective and “their” Sharia and beliefs, it is not adultery committed but it is prevention from committing it by using humans the same gender so that they’re not guilty interacting with women by any means. When mentioning those scenarios happening daily in the internal scene in Afghanistan, it reflects that the American intervention didn’t change any painful or traumatizing realities for the people who have been suffering for years with all the issues that the study has mentioned and proved but it was for also a self-serving agenda that wasn’t publicly known, what was publicly shown is fighting terrorism but instead, left Afghan civilians vulnerable to systemic exploitation by Taliban drugs nexus and political violence.

Taliban’s corruption and fighting corruption at the same time is intricate and an untied knot and its impact is destructive, people are bearing more than their burden that the international community knows nothing about as the manipulation and control grow strongly and the situation is becoming more difficult and stronger, it is only benefiting Taliban but no one else. Since their gain of power, they condemned every action that has increasingly boomed after the American withdrawal and the game didn’t change but it became harder to end. Even after all the evidence and reflections of the internal environment that was neglected and unknown for years, the complete picture remains mysterious regarding several aspects or specific stories that had been partially known with the efforts of many individuals who are concerned about the people who deserve nothing but a democratic well-processing state.

the minor changes in the scene in only one province which is Kabul where the official spokesman who is in charge of all the work for the Amir doesn’t bring any peace within people but grows fear inside them as they know that they’ll be facing stricter laws and policies by Taliban which will restrict them from living a normal life but a life that Taliban will choose for every one of them. The chaos impacts their life and their basic needs and necessities such as a doctor’s visit because corruption is the main and huge obstacle for citizens the patronage network that the Taliban has created and strengthened for decades makes every necessity hard to obtain outside a complicated and precisely chosen circle.

The pre-Taliban system although also it was corrupt is not compared to the corrupt network of the Taliban’s governance. It offered a glance of hope and there was an opportunity however small but existent that someone with a conscience would be able to fight terrorism, and corruption, and change the traumatizing reality that people have gone through for years. The former president had to find methods and techniques to build trust with the people who chose him and get rid of the Taliban’s regime but it was a collapse of all efforts after the U.S-Taliban peace pact, leaving Afghans hopeless and with fewer expectations for a better future as he couldn’t fight it all alone with no intention of a new civil war. The current situation is a constant threat and a climate full of fear where people find the Taliban regime a double-edged sword that has either the people’s survival or their demolition.

§  Conclusion

In conclusion, this study proved the correlation between the Taliban drug trade and its far- reaching consequences on the political scene in Afghanistan. The drug trade crippled any steps toward the development of a legitimate and sovereign Afghan state, diminished the political stability, and strengthened the Taliban autonomy. Corruption erodes public trust and hopes for a peaceful future shaped by the opinions of free citizens. International community efforts are misplaced to collapse the Taliban’s regime but they isolate it more and create a greedy government that relies more on drug trade. This study confirms that narcotics reliance has become the essence of their political control in Afghanistan, reflecting patterns seen in their 1990s regime. As demonstrated in Kandahar where opium funds 90% of local Taliban operations, Taliban has perfected a self-sufficient system: drug profits finance regional expansion, which in turn secures more drug production and trafficking routes. The research exposes critical contradictions which are: (1) their public bans on narcotics versus private taxation of farmers; (2) claims of Islamic governance along with collaboration with cartels; and lastly (3) international isolation while relying on global drug demand.

These findings align with Ashraf Ghani’s warning that the Taliban “weaponize poverty” by forcing farmers into opium cultivation, production, and distribution, while this study adds new evidence that even their supporters face pressure such as Kandahar families paying 20% taxes on crops. While the U.S.-Taliban peace agreement aimed to restraint the complex cycle, the data shows a 58% increase in heroin labs after 2021, proving the failure of diplomatic solutions alone.

The hard path requires two main shifts to reach a stable economic and political scene domestically: First, international actors must move beyond cutting funds or imposing sanctions (which directly harms civilians). Second, any future Afghan government will need to address the core issue as our case study to have the ability to reduce any future complexities or problems that may result in a non-changing political scene for a better living for natives. This research ultimately confirms that Afghanistan’s political future remains hostage to Taliban until diplomatic ties and cooperations are realigned.

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