NATO Rejects Russia's Demand to Destroy Afghan Poppy Fields

NATO Rejects Russia's Demand to Destroy Afghan Poppy Fields

www.globalresearch.ca

NATO and Russia clashed on Wednesday over how to tackle the drug problem in Afghanistan, where Western nations have been fighting a Taliban-led insurgency for eight years, dpa reported.

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Russia Lashes Out at NATO for Protecting Afghan Drug Production

"Afghan opiates led to the death of 1 million people by overdose in the last 10 years, and that is United Nations data. Is that not a threat to world peace and security?" Ivanov asked journalists after the meeting.

In his speech to NATO diplomats, a copy of which was handed to the press, Ivanov stressed that "NATO is fully responsible for normalizing the situation in Afghanistan, including the elimination of drug production."

The Russian official presented a 7-point plan that foresees, among other things, an extension of the UN mandate for NATO troops in Afghanistan that would oblige them to eradicate poppy fields, as well as targeting the Taliban-led insurgency.

Ivanov said at least 25 per cent of the opium crop should be destroyed as part of the proposed joint NATO-Russia plan. He added that Marjah, the former Taliban stronghold that NATO troops cleared in recent weeks, offered a "unique opportunity" to start the effort.

But NATO spokesman James Appathurai indicated that allies were not ready to follow Russia's suggestions.

"We cannot be in a situation where we remove the only source of income for people who live in the second poorest country in the world without being able to provide them an alternative. That is simply not possible," he told journalists.

As per the figures cited in Ivanov's speech, Russia was the single largest consumer of heroin in 2008, with 21 per cent of world production ending up in its territory. This whole thing is escalating from sometime now and with NATO's refusal to take steps in destroying poppy fields this is bound to take an ugly turn.

Consider this NATO/ USA's explanation that they provide income for Afghans...imo it looks like they are saying it's okay as long as money is being generated. There is something seriously wrong with NATO and their reasons.

Either Russia wants to take control of the poppy field after removing NATO/ USA from Afghanistan with China..but that does not make sense when Russia is asking NATO destroy these fields themselves.

It more and more looks like co-ordinated effort to weaken Russia by NATO headed countries.

If we compare this scenario with US drug problem from Canada & Mexico. USA is trying to stop these trades, shouldn't NATO interfere here and say not to since it provides income to people?
I know it's a silly statement and that was the point.

www.globalresearch.ca
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There not saying it's alright as long as money is being made.

They are saying that it might anger people if we went into their fields and started burning their crops. It's easy for Russia to stand back and say that NATO should take a tough stance on the issue, when they wouldn't have to suffer from the backlash.

reply to post by Styki


I agree with that view but wasn't poppy trade at low before USA invaded Afghanistan? It was and the trade exploded after the invasion. So whose responsibility it is to take care of it?

The opium is part of the reason the US in Afghanistan - to get the opium trade up and running again - a lot of top players were hurt when the taliban burned the crops - thats why they have been targeted as the enemy - cant be burning the NWO's opium crops pls and thnx.

reply to post by December_Rain


They already try to get farmers in Afghanistan as well as in South America to switch to different crops but opium is more profitable and is also more adapt to the environment.

reply to post by Amagnon


Should read more about the Taliban use of opium for their war chest. When you fight against an invasion force like the U.S. no doubt you want opium as your source of funds, in this case the Taliban. Hence the rise of opium.

Why don't those million dollar drones do the job?...
or are they too busy killing innocence along the mountain range?

*sigh*

Unfortunately they need those poppies for opiates for major pain pills.

reply to post by CanadianDream420


Those million dollar drones won't do the job, just make one little crater. And innocents hah! The Taliban aren't innocents and it looks like its working cause they are pissed right now!

Without the black market drug trade, the CIA would not be able to fund secret operations.

But by going public with this, i think Russia have rather cleverly let the cat out of the bag.

The 'war' of drugs funds the 'war' of terror.

reply to post by December_Rain


From what I have read, they numbers were lower before NATO forces arrived. There are several factors that could be the reason for the growth in poppy fields. I am not ready to say that they US is encouraging the growth; however, that is a possibility.

I wish there was a way to get an accurate break down of where the funds were going.

reply to post by Styki


Imo USA and NATO should pressure Afghan Govt. to do it. But many sources have claimed it is Karzai's own brother who is heavily involved in this drug trade thus the reluctance. Few months ago some hard cash was caught in Afghanistan leaving for Dubai, it was posted on this ATS as well.

Yup, without those opium, aka heroin crops, the CIA would never get legal funding for thier black ops. So ive learned, and from others. Well they teach us drugs are bad to use, and get lcoked in county for it..he CIA wallstreet, big bankers touch it, and get promoted. HEll, miami FL was built with coc aine money. its ok as long as big business uses it, or our senators and lawmakers* but us taxpayers nope unforgiveable. youde think their treating opium like the apple fromt he garden of eden!

I think if Russia can successfully argue/prove the point that Afghan Opium is causing death and violence in Russian Streets then isn't that are threat to Russia's security?

On that premise alone I beleive Russia would be entitled to send a plane over afghanistan and wipe the poppy field off the map for good......

Good to see another nation make a stand.....alot of people seem blinded by the fact that just because its the USA, it must be right what they are doing.


Afghanistan and these poor peasant "Talian" are making a mockery of the US and NATO's sophisticated war machines.