The problem is that the Opium comes from Afghanistan - more than 90% of it at least, so you cannot deal with the drug war in Mexico without ending the poppy trade in Afghanistan. Interestingly enough, the Taliban had almost eradicated the Afghani opium crop (for religious reasons) when they were in power, but now that they are the rebels they are reportedly protecting and expanding it???
WillBerry, you are right. If we want to actually reduce drug dependence and drug violence, we need to look at ourselves first. Although reducing demand (through good treatment programs, for a start) will not stop all drug traffic entirely (nothing will), it is the best place for us to start.
The poppies are grown by dirt-poor farmers who can not make a living any other way, and it’s the so-called pro-western government that encourages this, not the Taliban.
Oh- and the finished product is sold all over the world; not just the US. In fact, the US uses only a small amount of opiates, compared to other countries and other drugs.
Micahel - Taliban is currently in virtual control of poppy area, not pro-western govt (whose control is focused in cities). NATO forces will not, for political reasons, have any involvement in poppy eradication effort.
Farmers could raise other crops, but while allowed, opium pays better. Proves that money still has an allure even there.
Yes, a great deal of the world uses opium, but what is your point?
BeanGo over 15 years ago
I am pretty certain it will go down like this
rookie26201 over 15 years ago
We could invade mexico, take over, have lots of beach front property, and cheap labor will be legal. Sounds good to me.
WillBerry over 15 years ago
The problem is that the Opium comes from Afghanistan - more than 90% of it at least, so you cannot deal with the drug war in Mexico without ending the poppy trade in Afghanistan. Interestingly enough, the Taliban had almost eradicated the Afghani opium crop (for religious reasons) when they were in power, but now that they are the rebels they are reportedly protecting and expanding it???
cdward over 15 years ago
WillBerry, you are right. If we want to actually reduce drug dependence and drug violence, we need to look at ourselves first. Although reducing demand (through good treatment programs, for a start) will not stop all drug traffic entirely (nothing will), it is the best place for us to start.
tigernest1 over 15 years ago
The poppies are grown by dirt-poor farmers who can not make a living any other way, and it’s the so-called pro-western government that encourages this, not the Taliban.
tigernest1 over 15 years ago
Oh- and the finished product is sold all over the world; not just the US. In fact, the US uses only a small amount of opiates, compared to other countries and other drugs.
WillBerry over 15 years ago
Micahel - Taliban is currently in virtual control of poppy area, not pro-western govt (whose control is focused in cities). NATO forces will not, for political reasons, have any involvement in poppy eradication effort. Farmers could raise other crops, but while allowed, opium pays better. Proves that money still has an allure even there. Yes, a great deal of the world uses opium, but what is your point?