Afghanistan's Drug Trade -- Collateral Damage On It's Civilians And How It Is Affecting Other Neighboring Countries

From U.S. News And World Report:

KHOSAN—With widespread unemployment in this Afghan border town has come a growing epidemic of drug abuse. Khosan, 10 miles from Iran, is a transit point for smugglers, and residents here say that their town is awash in hashish and opium that is available in nearly every market shop. Two bean-size rocks of the newest and most popular drug here, crystal opium, sell for $2.

Read more ....

News From Other Sources:
NATO Battles Poppy Cultivation, Resource Challenges in Afghanistan -- U.S. Dept. Defense
NATO Commander Says Afghan Illegal Drug Trade Aids Taliban -- America.gov
NATO troops wipe out Afghan poppy fields -- United Press International
NATO Urged To Do More For Afghan Drugs Problem -- Afghanistan Conflict Monitor
How and when did Afghanistan Turn into a Drug Centre? -- Voices From Russia

My Comment: A vicious cycle that goes on and on and on. The people who run the government, the administers, the Taliban who are fighting against this government, the Police, the regional warlords, the criminals, the farmers .... everyone .... is involved in this trade. There is just too much money.

The only group that has not gotten involved in the drug trade are Nato forces, in particular U.S., Canadian, and U.K. troops, as well as the many aid agencies. At least I have always hoped that this was the case .... but unfortunately others are now strongly disagreeing. More here.