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Poppy production was up 25%, the US said Opium production in Afghanistan reached record levels last year, the United States has said. The US State Department's annual report on narcotics also said the flourishing drugs trade was undermining the fight against the Taleban.
Originally posted by brill
But doesn't it strike you as a bit odd that the opium production is soaring? I know their mission is not to stem drug production but those same funds are backing the Taliban. To me if you want to hit them, hit them where it counts, money wise by knocking out the opium trade. What's interesting is that prior to 9/11 the Taliban had reduced the opium trade. Given the multi-national resources over there how is it possible that the drug trade can be flourishing then at this point. Aside from the PR of new schools and the like it seems like a wasted effort added to which there is supposed to be some type of spring offensive by the Taliban. Who's winning this war again
brill
Originally posted by brill
But doesn't it strike you as a bit odd that the opium production is soaring? I know their mission is not to stem drug production but those same funds are backing the Taliban. To me if you want to hit them, hit them where it counts, money wise by knocking out the opium trade. What's interesting is that prior to 9/11 the Taliban had reduced the opium trade. Given the multi-national resources over there how is it possible that the drug trade can be flourishing then at this point. Aside from the PR of new schools and the like it seems like a wasted effort added to which there is supposed to be some type of spring offensive by the Taliban. Who's winning this war again
brill
Afghanistan may be possessing up to 36 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, 3.6 billion barrels of petroleum and up to 1,325 million barrels of natural gas liquids. This could mark the turning point in Afghanistan’s reconstruction efforts. Energy exports could generate the revenue that Afghan officials need to modernize the country’s infrastructure and expand economic opportunities for the beleaguered and fractious population.[19] Other reports suggest that the country has huge amounts of gold, copper, coal, iron ore and other rich minerals.
Opium production in Afghanistan has been a significant problem for the country since the downfall of the Taliban in 2001. The CIA estimates that one-third of Afghanistan's GDP comes from opium export. The Asian Development Bank states a lower figure: $2.5 billion, or about 12% of the GDP. At any rate, this is not only one of Kabul's most serious policy and law-enforcement challenges[1], but also one of the world's most serious problems.
Originally posted by brill
Sorry I don't buy that. Are you saying its better to keep the opium and drug production rolling along for the sake of economics? The Taliban had stemmed the production of opium and the country still functioned, albeit with poverty struck regions. According to some other data, opium production accounts for anywhere from 33% to 12% of Afghanistan's GDP. That indicates to me that there are other resources available for Afghanistan to profit from. Added to the fact that the funds from the opium trade specifically fund the Taliban and perhaps even Al-Quaeda to me indicates a very serious undermining. Hey I'm all for new schools and roads I just think targeting the opium should be a higher priority.
brill
Originally posted by ludaChris
How are they going to obtain the funds and means to develop and create profit from these resources without obtaining the funds to do so in the first place. I'm not saying its right, I'm simply saying at this point it may be a necessary evil to help get that fledgling country off its feet. If we take away the largest means for these people to obtain anything, how long can we expect cooperation so that those soldiers there can do their jobs with as little resistance as possible. You dont think if we went in and just torched those fields that the insurgency would grow? We just removed the most integral part of their economy currently, which would certainly piss alot of people off.
Originally posted by benevolent tyrant
For decades now, Canadian Forces have come to be viewed by the world as "Peace-keepers". This label has frequently influenced the publics' perception of the Canadian military involvement in Afghanistan. In some quarters, a public perception of Canadian Forces is that of a "joke"
[edit on 3/3/2007 by benevolent tyrant]
Originally posted by benevolent tyrant
I agree that getting rid of Afghanistan's opium fields would be a good idea. The allied incursion into Afghanistan to uproot the Taliban was a terrible mistake. The Taliban was highly effective in eliminating this evil product.
The solution, naturally, would be to withdraw all allied troops from Afghanistan. Let us allow the Taliban to return to Afghanistan. Allowing the Taliban to institute their draconian practices and the subjugation of women is a small price to pay to rid the world of heroin addiction.
If we are lucky, perhaps the Taliban's particular Muslim beliefs can spread throughout the world. That way we can perhaps also rid ourselves of the incredible social damage that not only heroin has caused but that of other drugs as well. Yep, a small price to pay..... no heroin, no marijuana or hashish, no coc aine or other drugs. Of course we should also eliminate alcohol. Just think of all the good that would do? In exchange we can all give up a few of our freedoms. So what if women are denied an equal standing in society. So what if women will not be permitted to obtain an education. It's wasted on them anyway, right?
Of course I am being quite facetious here. But I am trying to make a point. The point being is that of priorities. Until Afghanistan can be stabilized and brought under government control. Until the traditional war lords or khans can be brought to become answerable to the society in general, until the economy is developed fully, until alternative crops and industries can be introduced, I am afraid that the opium farms will continue.
It can't happen today. Security issues are of greater importance. However, in the future, anything might be possible.
One suggestion that I might also make about heroin addiction is the War on Drugs. By treating addiction as a disease and not a crime, through decriminalization and the free or inexpensive distribution of heroin, it might be possible to eliminate the profits from heroin and, thus, make opium farming a less desireable occupation.