Buying up the opium crop: a new Western policy in Afghanistan?
FT.com
05-Feb-2009 (3 comments)

Ever since it looked probable that Barack Obama would win last year’s US presidential election, European governments have fretted about how they would react if, upon taking office, he asked them for a bigger military contribution to the US-led war against the Taliban in Afghanistan. The war isn’t going down well with European public opinion, especially in Germany and Italy. On the other hand, you can hardly say No to the man you were desperate to see replace George W. Bush in the Oval Office.

Perhaps the Europeans have been asking themselves the wrong question. The evidence is growing that Obama will fundamentally rethink US policies and recognise that there are more desirable - and achievable - goals in Afghanistan than a traditional military victory. The appointments of Richard Holbrooke as the special US envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan, and of Karl Eikenberry as the next US ambassador to Kabul, are part of this picture.

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Abarmard

They want

by Abarmard on Thu Feb 05, 2009 01:37 PM PST

To use those opium to produce medical drugs. Why not? In this case you cut the middle men and everyone benefits. i don't see anything wrong with this picture.


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default

Swap

by Ajam (not verified) on Thu Feb 05, 2009 11:25 AM PST

Opium production has quadrupled since the U.S./Nato invasion of Afghanistan. Indeed, Bush decided to turn a blind eye on Opium production, as a means of income for Afghans, so he could divert the much needed funds allocated for Afghanistan towards the Iraq war!


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Ostaad

Should have been done years ago.

by Ostaad on Thu Feb 05, 2009 07:02 AM PST

I have no evidence to back this up, but I have a strong suspicion that "buying opium" by the CIA and others in Afghanestan has been going on for a while but for entirely different purposes. winkwink.


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