Opium -- The Fuel of Instability in Afghanistan: Why the Military Must be Involved in the Solution, and Recommendations for Action
Abstract
This paper seeks to answer the question, "What role should the militaries of the United States and its NATO allies play in the counter-narcotics effort in Afghanistan?" This monograph shows that U.S. and NATO military support of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan's counter-narcotics programs should have a critical supporting role in a comprehensive counter-narcotics program in Afghanistan, and that military support can lead to the reduction of opium-heroin trafficking, reducing the influence of the forces that oppose the legitimate Government of Afghanistan. To demonstrate why Afghanistan's opium economy is a serious concern to the United States, the first section of this monograph describes how forces that work against the legitimate central government in Kabul profit from these illicit funds. The second section describes the current situation in Afghanistan as it relates to the narcotics issue. The final section contains recommendations for U.S. and NATO military involvement in the counter-narcotics effort in Afghanistan.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 18, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA470654
Entities
People
- Thomas A. Duncan Ii
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College