Background

The rise of the Taliban as the number-one ruling power in Afghanistan has been met with mixed reactions globally. With the establishment of what they call a Sharia-based government, the Taliban are now focusing on securing lucrative contracts in natural resources such as gold, chromite, and copper. However, this economic focus raises concerns about the everyday realities faced by the common Afghan citizen.

Analysis

While the Taliban appears to be engaging in resource accumulation, there are reports indicating a stark contrast in the living conditions of average citizens. Many Afghans find themselves in dire situations as social services and infrastructure collapse. The Taliban's management is criticized for prioritizing revenue generation over addressing the needs of the populace. Furthermore, the propaganda operations by the government, often described as 'social media terrorists' threatening dissent, lead to