“Opium cultivation in Afghanistan up by more than 40 percent from 2005

[rodeodance]

yet, todays article says the UN gives itself 6 months to control the Taliban.


http://thinkprogress.org/?tag=Radical%20Right

– Opium production is at record levels. “Opium cultivation in Afghanistan has hit record levels - up by more than 40 percent from 2005 - despite hundreds of millions in counternarcotics money,” the Associated Press reported. “The increase could have serious repercussions for an already grave security situation, with drug lords joining the Taliban-led fight against Afghan and international forces.”

[aquart]

1. Thanks, George.

[Kagemusha]

2. NATO. Not the UN, NATO gives itself 6 month, right?

Opposing opium just happens to unite a lot of vested interests behind the Taliban, which learned from its mistake in turning against drug money and power.

[Erika]

3. And why are we there?

We've loaded our own prisons for far less offenses with far less potent drugs.

[lvx35]

4. Again?

They are becoming a regular opium Wal-Mart.

[Kutjara]

5. We're growing it over there, so we don't....

...oh never mind.

[Erika]

6. I know...have to face it over here.

Republicans are such loons.

[Zynx]

7. That would explain the increase in crime in this country.

More drugs, more crime.

[cal04]

8. Opium Harvest at Record Level in Afghanistan

Afghanistan’s opium harvest this year has reached the highest levels ever recorded, showing an increase of almost 50 percent from last year, the head of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Antonio Maria Costa, said Saturday in Kabul.

He described the figures as “alarming” and “very bad news” for the Afghan government and international donors who have poured millions of dollars into programs to reduce the poppy crop since 2001.

He said the increase in cultivation was fueled by the resurgence of Taliban rebels in the south, the country’s prime opium growing region. As the insurgents have stepped up their attacks, they have also encouraged and profited from the drug trade, promising protection to growers if they worked to expand their opium operations.

“This year’s harvest will be around 6,100 metric tons of opium — a staggering 92 percent of total world supply. It exceeds global consumption by 30 percent,” Mr. Costa said at a news briefing.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/03/world/asia/03afghan.html?hp&ex=1157256000&en=e4c4803388ba1e0d&ei=5094&partner=homepage