The Afghan forces weren't getting PAID. The Taliban said, "Hey, want some money for that gun?"
@Siren_six @mcfate
And they have a principle to fight for. And, it is a religious principle. So, their deity is also (emotionally) supporting them. That's a lot more powerful than a government.
I don' think Gilead, from The Handmaid's Tale, is as far-fetched as most might think.