Terror cash

WASHINGTON, Oct. 13 (UPI) -- The Taliban, with drug money as a base, find themselves in a relatively strong financial position, a U.S. treasury official said.

U.S. Assistant Treasury Secretary David Cohen, speaking Monday to a group of bankers and lawyers groups, said international efforts haven't been able to cut off funding for the Taliban.

Much of the money comes from heroin trafficking derived from poppy crops in Afghanistan, he said.

However, moves such as pressuring traditional al-Qaida supporters, have had an effect on al-Qaida, which has made at least four public pleas this year for funds. Cohen said that has resulted in al-Qaida becoming less of an influential force internationally.