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An Afghan man works in a poppy field in Nangarhar province in 2016.

Hard Numbers: Afghans' fewer poppies, Trump's lead in key states, Lake Titicaca’s lower water level, New Delhi's smog, Japan's new frigates, Swifties' tents

The Graphic Truth: Opium keeps the Taliban going
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The Graphic Truth: Opium keeps the Taliban going

We look at opium cultivation in Afghanistan since 1996, when the Taliban first ruled the country.

The GOP’s Musky scent
Hard Numbers

The GOP’s Musky scent

Musk's cash splash, which makes him the largest known midterm donor, is meant to help Republicans head off a so-called “Blue Wave” of Democratic support that could cost the GOP not only the House but possibly the Senate.

Taliban ditch poppies, another Chinese COVID mishap, Darfur war crimes tribunal
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What We're Watching: Taliban ditch poppies, another Chinese COVID mishap, Darfur war crimes tribunal

​The Taliban are super rich. Is it enough to run a country?
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​The Taliban are super rich. Is it enough to run a country?

The Taliban are in control of Afghanistan again. But winning militarily is one thing, governing a country of 40 million people is an entirely different story. Running a government relies on access to cash and financial assets. That presents a massive problem for the Taliban, who have been shunned by most global economic heavyweights, and now face potential financial upheaval.