"The Chinese have been making overtures to the Taliban for some time now. Miller said one of the reasons the Taliban has been so successful is because of its partnership with the opium trade. "Drivers are also charged for using highways in Taliban-controlled regions, and shopkeepers pay the Taliban for the right to do business." Whereas if you pay the Afghanistan government or local non Taliban militia they can't guarantee their fighters on the ground are going to lose stuff. Taliban in Kampani area in the outskirts of Kabul to showcase captured military equipment from defeated elite Afghan units.

Source: New Zealand Herald August 18, 2021 00:00 UTC