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Heroin addicts smoke in the Old City in downtown Herat, Afghanistan on August 13, 2009. The poppy fields of Afghanistan are the source of most of the world's heroin supply and the source of the Taliban's power and money. The Afghan presidential election is on August 20. UPI/Mohammad Kheirkhah. 
Published: Oct. 13, 2009 at 8:42 AM
By United Press International

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.

Topics: David Cohen, War in Afghanistan
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