August 29, 2022
Diplomatically isolated and cut off from foreign aid, the Taliban have struggled to find enough cash to keep the government running since the group took over Afghanistan in Aug. 2021. But they've proven surprisingly adept at raising money from the now-banned opium trade, selling coal to neighboring countries, and taxing imports at the border. Still, this is nowhere near enough to cover their annual budget, and an estimated 97% of Afghans could be living below the poverty line by the end of this year. Here's a snapshot of the Taliban's main sources of revenue.
More For You
- YouTube
Ukraine is bringing the war to Russia, reshaping the battlefield and raising new questions about whether the momentum is finally shifting away from Vladimir Putin. In this GZERO World conversation with Ian Bremmer, former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba explains why Ukraine believes it has changed the dynamics of the conflict.
Most Popular
Think you know what's going on around the world? Here's your chance to prove it.
Sonam Wangchuk has long campaigned for the reform of India’s corrupt and inefficient system of entrance exams for higher education.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a session at the Knesset, Israel's parliament, before it dissolves ahead of the 2026 Israeli elections, in Jerusalem, Israel, on July 16, 2026.
REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun
Israel’s parliament affirmed that the country will hold a national election on Oct. 27.
© 2025 GZERO Media. All Rights Reserved | A Eurasia Group media company.
